
Class t JSJI 
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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS 

OR 

A NARRATIVE 

OP THE 



ABBEST, TRIAIv, CONVICTION, IMPRISONMENT, 

TBEATMEW^", OBSERVATIONS, REFIiEC- 
TIONS, AND DEIilVERANCE OF 



¥OEK, BURR AND THOMPSON, 

TTito Suffered an Unjust and Cruel Imprisonment in 

Missouri Penitentiary, for Attempting: to 

aid some Slaves to liiberty. 



THREE PAFvTS IN ONE VOL, 



BY 

GEOUCJE TM®IlfFSOI¥j 

OJVE OF THK PRISOKEK9. 



OBERLIN: I''- 

PRINTED BY JAMES M. FITCH. 

1847 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, 
BIT GEOKGK THOMPSON, 

la the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States fb? 
the District of Ohio. 



OBERLIN PRESS: 

PBINTED FOB THE AUTHOR, 



PREFACE. 



Reader, do jou know the heart of a prisoner? 
Are you a friend of convicts? If not, you may 
not be much interested in the following pages — 
for they tell you much about the inside of a pris- 
on, and its suffering inmates. They are not con- 
fined entirely to the strict history of Alanson Work, 
James E. Burr, and George Thompson — they tell 
you much about other prisoners — much about the 
officers — something about the Governors, and Leg- 
islators, and ministers of a slave State — they tell 
you a little about the poor slave — the spirit of 
slaveholders — the influence and effects of slavery, 
and numerous incidents, with brief reflections, on 
various subjects. 

You will not charge mc with telling something 
about somebody of whom I know nothing— or with 
attempting to describe imaginary scenes — or tell- 



iV PREFACE. 

ing of something that occurred, nobody knows 
■where — for "I speak that I do know, and testi- 
fy that I have seen," heard, and experienced. 
The book is principally a compilation from our 
prison writings — mostly from ray own, as the 
greater part of that which came from the pens of my 
" companions in tribulation," has been lost, or I 
was not able to obtain it. 

However, as we all lived together, I was con- 
stituted by mutual consent, the scribe or secretary. 

In my journal, I recorded for all. When wc 
came into our cell at night, if either had seen 
or heard any thing during the day, that was of 
interest, he made it known, and it was recorded 
by the secretary. Of the writings which are lost, 
the most valuable are their letters, which were 
written from time to time, and would give a bet- 
ter idea of their individual feelings, than I can 
in my own language — yet our feeHngs were so 
similar, and so nearly in unison did our hearts 
beat, that the reader must feel when reading mine, 
that he is in them, reading the feelings of the 
other two brethren, 

I have been obliged to omit and pass by much 
that I desired to insert. Much of my journal — 



PREFACE. ▼ 

many letters, and various incidents, have been ex- 
cluded. 

The reader need not expect connection of sub- 
jects, or beauty of style, or elegance of language, 
or logical reasoning. I have mentioned things, 
generally, as they occurred, in their order, with- 
out regard to connection. In some places, I have 
classified things of the same kind. The style, 
and language, are the spontaneous overflowings of 
my soul — in words which most readily presented 
themselves to my mind. And I have endeavored 
to present every tiling in its proper, natural light. 
The whole has been written in great haste, amid 
cares and anxieties. 

When speaking of other prisoners, I have with- 
held all names, for reasons I need not mention. 
When speaking of officers, I have given names. 
And I think no one can charge me with partial- 
ity — I have endeavored to give both sides. When 
they acted like men, I have said so — when they 
played the part of brutes, or demons, I have men- 
tioned it. If they were kind, I have given them 
credit — if cruel, it is charged against them. If 
they complain of any one, they must complain of 
themselves — if Missourians are disgraced, or con- 



^'l PREFACE. 

demned, they themselves have done It. I have re- 
corded facts. 

If they are enraged, because the world has look- 
ed in upon their abominations, let the thought that 
God will expose them to the universe, compose 
their troubled consciences. If they are vexed with 
themselves, because they have so long harbored an 
enemy in their midst, let me say to them, as they 
said to us— T^' Just mind your own business, next 
time, and let other people alone." They must have 
been fools indeed, to suppose they could press a 
viper to their bosom without being wounded — or 
tread on coals, without being burned — or that they 
could lay open their hearts before a " died-in-thc- 
wool abolitionist^'''' and not expect that it would be 
laid before the world — or that an oppossum is 
dead, merely because he does not kick, and squall? 
when beaten by his enemy. 

If the Reader is not a christian, he will here 
see the excellency, and importance of that relig- 
ion, which will support and cheer its possessor in 
all possible conditions in life. And oh! that he 
may be influenced to choose a friend, who will 
never forsake — a guide who will never mistake. 

If he is a Christian, I trust he will, in the 
following pages, learn the secret of having the 



PREFACE. JU 

mind kept in "perfect peace," though billows dash, 
and tempests roar — of being filled with a "joy 
unspeakable, and full of glory," though surrounded 
by a darkness, as dense as Egyptian — and of "re- 
joicing in the Lord a/zoa?/," though he "die dai- 
ly" — namely, trusting in God^ rationally , sincerely y 
implicitly^ and continually. 

The book has not been written to make money, 
nor to get a name — but to do good. I felt it to 
be my duty, to write such a book, long before I 
left my cell — and there the most of it was written. 

I have endeavored to exhibit our own feelings — 
as also those of our enemies. I have tried to ex- 
hibit the circumstances, and influences, by which 
we were surrounded, that the grace of God might 
the more be magnified, in our preservation from 
tlie jaws of destruction — in our deliverance from 
the oppressor's power. 

Reader, you will here see the faithfulness of God 
to his promises — you will see the unfaithfulness 
of man. You will get a glimpse at the sufferings 
of a portion of your fellow creatures, of whom per- 
haps you never thought much, and if by reading 
this book, you shall be induced to '-^remember them 
in bonds as bound with them^^' I shall not have 
spent my time in vain. 



Viii PREFACE. ^ 

Part first, includes an account of the time we 
were in the County Jail, trial, sentence, &c. 

Part second, comprises about sixteen and a halt 
months, under the government of John Gorden and 
WilHam Burch. 

Part third, embraces the remainder of our his- 
tory, under James Brown, Capt. Richmond, Blaine, 
and Co., &c. 

That every one who reads the following pages, 
may be stimulated to labor more zealously for suf- 
fering humanity, is the desire and prayer of 

THE AUTHOR. 

Obcrlin, April 9, 1847. 



^r: 



CONTENTS. 



PART FIRST. 
CHAPTER I. 

Description of the prisoners — residence — motives and principles by 
which governed — tour of mercy — Hght in the darkness — betrayed — 
taken and bound — confidence in God— conduct of enemies — letter from 
Alanson to a brother — do. to his wife — extracts of letters from George. 

17—25. 

CHAPTER H. 

Alanson's journal — a murderer bailed — reflections of Quiacy Com- 
mittee— Alanson's journal, ... - 25—31. 



CHAPTER HI. 

Poetry, why in prison — George's journal — the library and our feel- 
ings — journal — letter from George — letter from James — ^journal, poor 
men in slave states, the vile woman — Patrollers — blasphemy — the 

church in slave States — the leaven working, friendly lawyer, a load of 
friends visit the jail, valuable cakes, counsel engaged, - 31 — 47. 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 



The sleeping preacher — his dream — dark placea, full of cruelty — 
Dr. Ely's slave — bloody towns — effects of slavery — devices of the 
enemy, --..-. 47 — 55. 



CHAPTER V. 

Letter to Mrs. Ballard — to Moses Hunter — theMissourian's letter — 
reflections— the Dr. Bosley affair—letter from James — from Alanson — 
from George, ..---- 56 — 64. 



CHAPTER VI. 

The command — the search — slave women in Palmyra — betrayers — 
away opened to pass letters — rage of enemies — a slave whipped — 
promises sweet — letter to the church — sale of human beings — reflec- 
tions on P. C. L,'s letter — court — the abolition stand — treatment of 
our friends — closet mother — the sleeping preacher again — excite- 
ment, ...... 64—80. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Indictments — shackles off— jury chosen — witnesses, testimony — the 
pleading — ^journal — sentence — our gallows, and murderers— bill of 
exceptions and instructions— appeal refused— novel decision— our 
murderers again, testimony, - - . . 80—97. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Journal, twelve years in the penitentiary— a free man mobbed— mob 
in Cincinnati— the broken will --- unbelief and faith- --taking the 
alave's place-— the last view— the Illinois and Missouri clergymen — 



CONTENTS. XI 

in chains again—slaveholder's religion and catholicism—trusting in 
God— the day of Qdversity--letter from Alanson, his feelings— letter 
from George to his parents—to Oberlin Evangelist- -the slaveholder's 
plan-'-the accusation, look at it---abrogation of God's law--"The 
slaves will not run away"-— letters from George to a friend, 

98— 126. 



PART SECOND. 

CHAPTER I. 

Journey to the penitentiary, Sabbath, slaveholder's idea of happiness 
—arrival at Missouri River, ... 127—132. 

CHAPTER H. 

Reception at'penitentiary — the rules — journal how kept — the first night 
— the first morning-— our cell, poetry — food — work---first Sabbath-- 
second do.— -brick kilns- --character of officers — of prisoners---flog- 
ging-— prayer in the cell, singing, reading-— Alanson's first P. Y. 
letter — George's do. — chains off — the runaways — our library, read- 
ing by moonlight— the fire, ... 132—160. 



CHAPTER HI. 

Letter from George to a friend — work in the city — a friend — treachery 
of prisoners — chain off, trustee — the Lord's supper, poetry— letter 
writing — conversation — death of Ellen — slaveholders' conscience 
quieted— uses of scripture— runaways, - . 160—174. 



XU • CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

A man killed — dog buried — funeral sermons — George's letter to parents 
— joyful discovery — that "salt" again — letter to a friend — Sabbath 
shaving, Alanson whipped — the pleasing sight — friend brought let- 
ters — extract of answer — our character good in Missouri — slaves es- 
caping — the polyglot: Bible — extract of letter — abolition all the time 
— the harvest field — a man hung — visit of friends — 'relieving the 
niggers' — tlie new cell — "the preachers," - - 175 — 194. 



CHAPTER V. 

The first convert — first death bed scene — alone in the woods — fruits oa 
the Sabbath — "its out of order," chained for attempting to speak in 
meeting — the door opening — gazed at — second death bed scene — a 
prisoner baptized — the sleeping guard — "that won't count" — third 
death bed scene — experience telling meeting— self defence, 194—208. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Talk with Capt. B. and a Senator — With Slocumb and Chandler — 
Reflections — Giving up Principles— Talk with Legislators — 
With Slocumb and J. Gallagher — Letter to Gov. and Legislature 
— Clothing — Sick, 208—221. 



CHAPTER VH. 

Desire and Prayer for the Conversion of the World — The Sympa- 
thizing Guard — Talk with a Sick Man — Fourth Death Bed Scene 
— Dishonesty of Officers — Ardent Spirits — A Novel Case — The 
Hypocrite — Gambler's Happiness — Satisfaction — The Wonder- 
Reflections— The Hand of the Lord. - - - 221—230. 



CONTENTS. XUl 



PART THIRD. 



CHAPTER I. 

New Wardens— The Examination— Recommendation — Character of 
Officers— Points Gained---Influence of Power— Partiality---Our 
Work— Food, Table, Blessing sought — Unfeeling Doctor — Preach- 
ing — "Sing us one of the Songs of Zion" — Our First Prayer Meet- 
ing. 231—242. 



CHAPTER H. 

The Revival- "Communion Season — A Dream interpreted— A Con- 
vert—Journal—Describing the Revival— Lovejoy's Murderer-— 
Letter-'-The Reconciliation— General Remarks---The Memorable 
Communion Season. - - - . . 242 — 260. 



CHAPTER HI. 

Letter to Parents— The Sick Man's Resolution — The Sick Bed Re- 
pentance—Reflections—Letter—James outside— Scarcity of Food 
— The Buffalo Robes— Knitting. ... 261—270. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Visit from Friends, Privileges — Journal— Letters— Petition — Th<i 
Privilege— The Letters — Departure — Judge B.'s Hospitality- 
Reflections. - - - . - . 270—278, 



CHAPTER V. 

Cruel Death— A Man pardoned, why— Amalgamation— The False 
Tongue— The Inspector's First examination — Correspondence with 
tbe Chaplain— Letter from a Missouri Brother— Change of War- 



XIV CONTENTS. 

dens again—'New Overseer— Lamps— The Load of Sin— -New 
Responsibilities and Duties— -Trials-"A Trying Time---The New 
Year— Letter— -A Great Break — The Broken Arm — Letter to Mrs. 
Beardsley— -Cutting Hair and Head Shaving---Dr. Ely— Got. 
Reynolds murdered— Class organized and broken up. - 278 — 305. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Some Interesting Cases-— Poetry, "Release of a Prisoner"-— Inter- 
cession for Alanson-— Executive Responsibility— -James and the 
Lawyer-— James and Alanson outside— -Letters from them— Con- 
versation with a Legislator; Reflections---Female Prisoners— A 
Prohibition —New Order — "My Cup runneth over" — Searching 
Cells— Narrow Escapes. - . - . 305—323. 



CHAPTER VH. 

Fifth Death Bed Scene — Reflestions now — Letter to Parents — Ths 
Beaten Horse— The Slave and Liberty— The Holy Spirit— The 
Slave and his Crime — Equality of Slaveholders' Laws — Our Re- 
former — The Little Cloud — Men made worse — The Fourth of July 
—Letter to a Brother — Condition of Discipleship — Letters from 
James — My Dreams — The Incendiary Letter — My Deposition^ 
Letter — Benefit of Affliction — Inspectors' Second Examination. 

324—342. 

CHAPTER VHI. 

False Names — A Note of Thanks — Tasks — The Sick; Reflections— 
Recommittents — Extract from James' Letter — From George's — 
The Christian Slave — A Break; Cruelty — Like seeks Like — The 
Unjust Law — New Chaplain — Deaths — Talk with Legislators — 
Monthly Concerts — Fighting — Our Stove — George an Assistant to 
ihe Chaplain — Holyday; Prayer Meeting. - . 342 — 360. 



CONTENTS. X¥ 

CHAPTER IX. 

Sixth Death Bed Scene — Letter to the Widow — New Year — Effort for 
Alanson's Release — Talk with Legislators — Alansoa pardoned; 
Poetry; Weak Minds; The Pardon — Letter from Alanson — The 
Lying Missourian — A Man Murdered — A Funeral Sermon — The 
Colporteur — The Great Cross — The Temperance Lecturer — Prayer 
with Prisoners — Did he love Liberty? — Sabbath Working — A 
Slave's Theology 360—373. 



CHAPTER X. 

The Chaplain driven away — The Converted Sailor— Treatment of 
Sick — Slaveholders Converted — Seventh Death Bed Scene — 
The Univeraalist's Death Bed — Bibles — Temperance Pledge; To- 
bacco, &c. — Holyday, and Prayer Meeting — Capt. Gorden's Hu- 
manity! — Extract of a Letter — "Abolition Niggers" — The Un- 
fortunate Family — Inspector's Third Examination — "Not this 
Man, but Barrabbas" — Pope G. — Fussing Guard — Address to 
Governor E, poetry — More pardoned — A case of cruelty — No- 
thing against me — Visit from Friends; Rich Blessings — Slave- 
holder's Christianity — Ducking — New Preacher — New Prisoner. 

373-393. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Another Interesting Case — James fainted — A Day of Fasting and 
Prayer — Catholics — Petition for us — Chase and Judge B. — Let- 
ter to Gov. E. — Secretary of State talked with us — James par- 
doned — Poetry — New Cell Mate — The Slave's Request — Hegs 
out — Conversation with Stringfello'.v — Converts — Fugitive Mis- 
sionary — The Lord defended me — Last Communion — Miss Dix 
— Capt. G.'a Sabbath Breaking — Conversation with a Sick Con- 
tert — Poetry, Toney's Death. - - - . 393—409. 



^H CONTENTS. 

CHAVTER XIJ. 

The aged Father's Visit to his Son iu Prison — Conversation about 
my private sentiments — Why not do so again — Slaveholders de- 
ceived — My Release — Conversation with the Governor — Time of 
Imprisonment — Farewell Picflcctions — Concluding Address to the 
Reader. - - . - . - -109—117 



PRISON LIFE AND REFLECTIONS. 

PART FIRST. 

CHAPTER I. 

MOTIVES, ARREST, IMPRISONMENT, &c. 

# 
TnESubjectsof this narrative are Alanson Wouk, 
James E. Burr, and George Thompson. The former 
was a man about forty years old — having a wife and 
four children — he was living at the Mission Institute, 
for the sake of educating his children, and training 
them up for usefulness. The other two persons, were 
young men studying for the ministry. 

The Mission Institute being situated near the Mis- 
sissippi River, and just across the River from a Slave 
State, (Missouri) we could, as it were, hear the crack 
of the Overseer's whip — the shrieks and groans of 
those who were suffering its cruel inflictions. Their 
earnest cries for help — their sighs for deliverance — 
their importunate entreaties, as they rehearsed to us 
their tales of woe, reached our ears, and our hearts 
melted with pity, while the resolution was formed to 
respond to their cfill; and if need be, risk our own 
liberty, and lives, to effect their rescue. 

Inasmuch as we desired mercy from the "God 
of heaven," should we at any time, be brought 
ioto trouble, we did not dare to shut our eyes, nor 
I 



IS A TOUR OF MERCY. 

our ears, nor our hearts, nor to restain our hands from 
delivering them out of their troubles — remembering, 
"• Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor^ he 
also shall cry himself, and shall not be heard.'''' We 
knew if we were in their condition, we should feel 
very thankful to any one, who would render us the 
desired assistance; and then calling to mind the gos- 
pel rule, " As ye would that men should do to you, do 
ye even so unto them," we. felt impelled to lend a 
helping hand. Likewise the command to love our 
neighbor as ourselves, impressed upon us the same 
obligation — so that wc made up our minds, with 
earnest prayer for. divine guidance, and anxious con- 
sultation, in view of these and many other principles 
and commands, to make the attempt — to "rid them 
out of the hand of the oppressor." 
, About the first of July, 1841, James with another 
brother, made a tour of mercy into Missouri, which 
resulted in an agreement with two slaves, to meet 
them at a certain point on the river, on a certain eve- 
ning, to assist them across the river, on their way to 
freedom. On the day appointed, we went, arriving at 
the place about the middle of the afternoon. Alan- 
son and James, went into the country to view and 
reconnoitre, while I remained in the skiff to fish, and 
await their return. While thus alone my prayer 
was, ''O Lord, I beseech thee, send us good speed 
this day." And we now feel that the prayer was 
abundantly answered — though in a very different way 
from what we expected. We desired the liberation of 
the slaves. God knew how to bring it about, better 
than we did. We longed to be instrumental in do- 
ing something for our brethren in bonds. God granted 
us our hearts' desire. And a happy day for the slaves 
of Missouri was it^* when we were taken captive, 
bound, and incarcerated in their midst. This was 
placing the light just where it was most needed — 
in the dense darkness — and where it made visible 



DISCOVERY AND ARREST. 19 

the abominations that prevailed. Blessed be God I 
After dark, a immher of slaves came to Alanson 
and James, in the prairie, and pretended they were 
going with them. They had proceeded but a short 
distance, when on a sudden, the slaveholders arose 
out of the grass, with their ritlcs, and took them pris- 
oners — placing the muzzle of their guns to their 
breasts, and repeatedly threatening, '^1 will shoot him 
any how" — but the mercy of the Lord prevailed. 
They were bound, and taken to a house, where they 
were kept, while the blood-hounds came in hot pur- 
suit of me. I was in the skiff. At first three or four 
slaves came, and approaching the bank very cautiously, 
one asked, " Are you a friend?'''' I replied, •■' I am." 
I had talked with them but a short time, when sud- 
denly I heard another kind of a salutation, '•'Come 
out of that, or Til blow you through!"' I looked up, 
and two guns were pointed at me, from the bank, 
I was obedient to my new commanders — dropped my 
tishing pole, and marched up to them, in secret ejacula- 
tions, committing myself to God, to do with me as He 
saw best. Though the thing was so perfectly unlooked 
for, and unthought of, the Lord stood by me, saying, 
^'•fcar not, I am with thee" — and my mind was calm. — 
my soul composed — and my faith unwavering, that 
all was right and for the best. Of what was before 
me, I could form no conception, but felt that infinite 
wisdom and goodness would lead me. 8uddcn death 
seemed quite probable, amid their numerous threats 
to shoot m.e; ■•' but none of these things moved me, 
neither counted I my life dear unto myself, so that I 
might finish my course wi(h joy" in the holy cause 
of suffering humanity. To die for the slave, I felt 
wiUing, if this was the thing needed — the Lord being 
Judge. 

I was bound, and marched barefoot, over hubs, 
roots, and stones. Host after host came with all 
speed to meet us, and "the earth rang again" with 



20 LED AWAY BY ROPES. 

their fiendish yells. It seemed almost as if the infer- 
nal regions had been uncapped, and had vomited 
forth their legions to hail our approach, as if some 
long dreaded monster had been captured. But oh! how 
sweet it was to feel that they could not go beyond 
what my Father should kindly and wisely permit. 
This kept me in peace. 

After they had eaten supper, they marched us some 
miles through the woods to another house. They 
made the slaves lead us by a rope, and sing " corn 
scngs," Those who have lived in a Slave State will 
know what is meant. It seemed as if the very forests 
themselves were moved at the bursts of such unearth- 
ly sounds — and if there were any wild beasts in the 
region, they must have fled for their lives, to their 
caverns, or dens, or more distant forests. When we 
came to the house, wc were marched round it time 
and again; and when we halted in front of the piazza, 
the old grand-father and mother, and children — old 
and young — male and female, came out in their night 
dresses to gaze upon the wonderful monsters. The 
old grandfather, tottering just on the verge of the 
grave, gave a little vent to his boiling soul, in the ex- 
clamation — "Ah! you gallows-looking devils!'' After 
their curiosity was somewhat gratified, we laid us 
down upon a feather bed, on the floor — all tied to- 
gether — and slept sweetly till morning. We awoke 
refreshed and strengthened to endure the reproaches 
and sufferings which were before us, with patience, 
fortitude, and I trust submission. That morning a 
man came in to see us, who asked many questions, 
and made threats of shooting us oh the spot. He 
was a professor of religion — seemed very much exci- 
ted, and had hard struggles to keep from drawing his 
pistols on us, but "-the good hand of our God upon 
us," saved us from his burning fury. 

At the breakfast table, we asked a blessing on 
our food, while the landlady and others stood by. 



" THRUST INTO PRISON." 21 

She seemed almost horror struck, that such wretches 
as we should pray! — for she looked upon us as mon- 
sters of iniquity. The poor woman seemed to have 
some idea of the numerical strength of the Abolition- 
ists — for said she, " They are as thick down there 
in the bottoms, as maggots in a dead horse, watching 
for slaves." And so terrified was she at the thought, 
that she had not been able to sleep soundly for two 
weeks! Poor woman! Who can help pitying one, 
who is obliged to live in such constant fear? 

After breakfast, a crowd gathered round, who ques- 
tioned us in many things, and gave vent to their 
raging bosoms, in sneers and reproaches. We were 
then tied together, and led by the slaves (to mortify 
us) five miles, to Palmyra. The city was moved at 
our approach, many saying, ^'•Who are these?" ''Well 
you've made a fine haul," &,c. In the court house, 
we had a mock trial before a magistrate and were 
'• thrust into Prison," to await the sitting of the court, 
two and a half months from that time. After they 
had left us, we knelt down, and committed ourselves 
to God, imploring his guidance and protection, feeling 
that lie had wise purposes to accomplish by this un- 
intelligible dispensation. 

The following from Alanson to a brother in Quincy, 
will give further particulars. 

LETTER. 

Dear Brother: 

I am a prisoner in a land, where to tell a 
man, made in the image of his Maker, that he has a 
right to freedom, is a crime of the deepest dye. 
James and I walked four or five miles back into the 
country. The first human being that we saw, was 
a woman and her son hoeing tobacco. James spoke 
to her, and I walked on. He found that she wanted 
to be free, and agreed to help her. We next came 



22 LETTER FROM PRISON. 

to a house; James went in, and learned from a slave, 
(the whites being absent) that the slaves he had seen 
before, were in the field alone. We went to them, it 
being now sunset. We asked them if they were 
going — they told us they were, and that one, living 
a mile from them, where they had some clothes to 
get, was going with them, and that they would come 
three hours after dark. We were seen by white men 
while with the slaves. After dark, we came and 
waited, anxiously listening for the signal. After some 
time we heard a distant whistle, and by answering re- 
peatedly, soon came to five slaves — three fourths or 
four fifths of a mile from the river, on a bottom 
prairie. After salutations and professions, we started 
in a foot path for the river, rejoicing in the prospect 
of helping the oppressed to liberty and happiness — 
when suddenly three men arose from the high grass. 
The slaves having betrayed us, now seized us, bound 
our hands, and marched us back, in triumph to the 
first house. A company then started, and after two 
hours, returned with Brother George, — the slaves 
singing and shouting — making a song for the occasion. 
We were soon put on the march for the residence of 
one of the parly, two or three miles distant — each of 
us being led by a slave — others following, weaving the 
past and present circumstances, with our future pros- 
pects, into a song, which they made to echo through 
the woods, to the great satisfaction of their masters 
and friends, who were on horseback. When we ar- 
rived at the house, we were marched around, and 
stared at as little less than Infernals. The language 
used, I will not attempt to describe. The next morn- 
ing we were tied together, and taken on foot to Pal- 
myra — being led by slaves, and escorted by fifteen 
horsemen. We were taken to the court house, a 
warrant issued against us — witnesses examined, and 
we committed, for stealing slaves (!) We were not 
permitted to speak for ourselves, but were taken to 



LETTER TO MRS. W. 



23 



Jail, and the doors closed upon us. Under these trying, 
circumstances we looked up to Him, who came to 
preach "• deliverance to the captives, and the opening 
of prison doors to them that are bound," and found 
the promise of God precious to our souls. 

Soon after dark, the Sheriff, Jailer, and others 
came in, and made us fast to a chain fifteen. or sixteen 
feet long. One end of the chain was made fast to 
the wall. Near the other end, an iron was put 
through a link and riveted around my ankle. Brother 
Burr was placed about two feet from me, and George 
about two feet farther." 



To his wife, Alan son wrote: 
'•'My Dear Wife: — I write from Palmyra Jail. The 
wall is about four feet thick, rnade of two thicknesses 
of hewed logs with one foot of stone between them, 
and the outside brick. We feel that God is here. 
Send to us if you can. We have asked for a Bible, 
a Hymn Book and paper. They reply, " yes," but do 
not. (Nearly a week elapsed, before we could get a 
Bible from any of them — at length an impenitent Law- 
yer brought us his.) Our enemies rejoice over us. 
Pray that we may he Christ-Uke. Be not troubled: 
the Lord will provide, and protect. Myself and com- 
panions sit on the floor. We have three or four 
(very poor) blankets for a bed. Our food is corn bread 
and bacon, which we eat with our fingers; but we have 
meat to eat which they know not of — '^ a contented 
mind is a continual feast." I am not anxious about 
myself, but feel that '-tribulation will work patience." 
1 feel that if you will trust in God, He will make 
'Sail things work together for your good" — and this 
aflliction prove a blessing to yon, and give an impulse 
to the cause of truth and mercy. We know not our 
destiny, but fear the worst, and trust we shall be pre- 
pared for it." 



21 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. 

On the same piece of paper I wrote: ""Dear Bro. 
Hunter, if we could see you and Mr. Warren, we 
should Hke it. It is evident they are determined to 
send us to Jefferson. Two men were sworn who 
testified falsely. Can you come? We rejoice in our 
chains. May the Lord direct." 

On the same I wrote to the church of which we 
were members. 

" Brethren and Sisters, you may think we repent 
the step we have taken. JVot at all. We feel that 
we are in chains for '•'•Jesus'' sake. The 2d, 3d, and 
4th chapters of 1 Peter are very precious to us, as 
also, the whole "Letter of our Father." We feel 
that good will result from our being here — that our 
Master knows best what kind of a school we need. 
We can now sympathize with the slave as never be- 
fore. We know how the chain feels. But our tri- 
als are light, compared with his. Pray for us. Our 
only hope is in God. Pray in faith — God will hear. 
Yours in bonds, 

George. 



About the same time, ( July 15,) I wrote to M. C, 
'•'• I am now separated from you very unexpectedly — 
but however the case may turn, I know the ""Judge 
of all the earth will do right" — and that '•'• all things 
shall work together for good to them who love God." 
You may think that I am unhappy. By no means. 
I am happy in my Savior." 

July 19. I wrote to the same: — "It seems very 
strange for me to date a letter to you from Prison. 
Yet so it is. Did you ever imagine such a thing? I 
had thought of trials and persecutions when we should 
be far among the heathen, and had imagined the thing 
possible, that I might be cast into prison in Illinois, 
* for conscience toward God,' but such a circumstance 



JOURNAL CONFIDENCE IN GOD. 



25 



ns this, I now realize, I had not thought much ahout. 
Yet be assured, I am happy in my Savior. I have an 
unshaken confidence that this shall turn out for my 
good, for your's, and for the good of Christ's cause. 
With this confidence can I be troubled or uneasy? 
' Be careful for nothing; but in every thing, by prayer 
and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests 
be made known unto God, and the peace of God, 
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts 
and minds, through Christ Jesus.' — Phil. 4: 6, 7. This 
is very sweet. My Bible is more than ever precious. 
Pray for my mother, that this may be sanctified to her 
present and eternal good. Try and make the same 
profitable improvement of it yourself. Don't be over- 
anxious. Roll the care upon Jesus, and there let us 
leave it. Exercise an unwavering confidence in his 
providence. Our kind Father has wise reasons for 
putting me here; and '■what thou knowest not now 
thou shalt know hereafter.' We should be willing to 
be in just that school that He sees we need. I hope 
I am willing. Pray that I may learn thoroughly and 
faithfully the lesson He intends I shall learn. When 
I have learned my lesson well, then I know He will 
take me out. And should I desire to leave school be- 
fore I get my lesson? Oh no. I do desire that disci- 
pline and instruction which will best quaUfy me for 
the greatest usefulness. 

Your's, in chains and gospel bonds, 

George." 

CHAPTER H. 

EXTRACTS FROM ALANSON'S JOURNAL. 

July 14-17. Visited often by the sheriff and many 
others, but still without the means of communicating 
with our friends. Had many anxious thoughts about 
my family, from whom I can hear nothing. 



26 JOURNAL GREAT PEACE. 

18. Sunday. Our prison was the "house of God 
and the gate of heaven" to our souls. In the forenoon 
George talked to our companions (two colored and one 
white man) about the prodigal son. In the afternoon 
he spoke on the Judgment day. Jesus was with us, 
and fed us with the bread of heaven. To me it was 
the most precious Sabbath I have enjoyed for many 
months. 

19. Feel willing to go to the penitentiary or wher- 
ever the Lord wills. This afternoon Esq. Warren 
and Bro. Hunter came in to see us. (The first we 
had seen or heard of any of our friends since leaving 
home.) We were happy before, but our happiness was 
increased on seeing them and learning the sympathy 
in our behalf 

The goodness of God and the kindness of friends 
broke my heart. We received books and paper. 
(We had received from the jailer in the forenoon one 
sheet of paper for us all, on which I was writing a 
joint letter to the Church; which was, at the time, 
published extensively — but now I have it not. This 
letter the jailer gave to Bro. H. without showing it to 
the sheriff; but its being published, and the conse- 
quent excitement being so great, we could not after 
that get any more letters to or from our friends through 
the sheriff.) After consultation they went out to see 
what could.be done for us. In the evening we attend- 
ed prayers as usual. As we closed, C. I., (the free 
black,) of his own accord, broke out in prayer. 

20. Have been here a week to day. Bro. H. and 
Esq. W. came in, consulted about employing other 
counsel, and, much to our comfort, brought us a table 
and chairs. Had with them a precious season of 
prayer. 

21. No visitors to day. The horse thief is an un- 
pleasant companion. The truth does not reach his 
heart. I find the night season the most precious to- 
my soul. When all are still I have sweet communion 



JOURNAL '•'■ MONTHLY CONCERT." 27 

with Him who heareth the sighing of the prisoner. 

22. Found great satisfaction in reading the lives of 
Bunyan and other men wlio suffered for well doing. 

23. Feel the want of exercise and pure air. The 
horse thief held a conversation with a stranger outside, 
the most abominable and profane, which makes it very 
unpleasant. O! '■'•gather not my soul with sinners, 
nor my life with bloody men." 

25. Sabbath. Bro. George described heaven and hell, 
and pressed on our impenitent companions the ques- 
tion, whether they would leave their sins and go to 
heaven, or have them and go to hell. 

26. The Lord hears prayer; blessed be his name. 
My chain feels light this morning. Oh! let me not 
trust ia man. Last evening being monthly concert 
for the oppressed, we "remembered those in bonds, as 
hound with them." After lying down to rest, and while 
thinking of those bound in more galling chains than 
•ours, we overheard a conversation, by which we learn- 
ed that six slaves had crossed the Mississippi, the 
night before, and that some persons were preparing to 
go to the river to intercept other fugitives. Gladly 
will I wear this chain till it galls my ankle to the bone, 
if thereby the slave may go free. (We all iclt so and 
rejoiced.) 

27. We arc not disturbed with company. Spend 
our time in reading, writing, meditation and prayer. 

28. Health good. Peace of conscience and the 
presence of my Savior. Our prison is a pleasant 
place, although we are surrounded by that which is fil- 
thy and abominable. 

31. Have seen none of our friends to day, as we 
expected. Our companions now stand talking with 
some children in the street. The conversation is the 
most filthy imaginable. Slavery seems to have cor- 
rupted the very buds of society. It would be pleasant 
to be alone. This evening we prayed that if we 
could do John (the horse thief) no good, we might be 



28 JOURNAL ELECTION DAY. 

rid of his company. Just after, the jailer came in 
and said that the sherifT was going to take him away 
in the morning. 

.4ug. 1. Sabbath. When the officers came in for 
John, numbers came in to gape upon us. They stared 
sometime, and w^e were obhged to hear their revihngs, 
oatlis and filthy conversation. When they were gone 
wc hoped to have a still, pleasant and profitable Sab- 
bath. We were disappointed. The room overhead 
was occupied, most of the day, by a vile woman, and 
two more than vile would-be gentlemen; yet the Lord 
was our "• sun and shield." George spoke on Ps. 
Ixxxiv. The tabernacle of God appears more love- 
ly because we cannot enter therein. In the after- 
noon he spoke from Is. i, 3. Showed the great goodness 
of God in reasoning with men, and our guilt in not 
knowing and considering. Surely the Lord has 
placed us here that we may consider. 

2. Election day. Numbers came to the window. 
The colored men conversed with them through the 
grates, which was very unpleasant. I sometimes im- 
agine we are confined on the brink of the pit and 
hear the sounds that come therefrom. Oh ! how love- 
ly do holiness and heavenly purity appear when con- 
trasted with the abominable, unholy and filthy scenes 
that surround us. 

3. Felt strengthened by the promise that "as my 
day is so my strength shall be," 

5. Had the privilege of seeing my wife and Edwin 
Lovejoy. (A little son about four years old.) There 
were numbers at the door, by whom we learned the 
hatred and excitement against us. Though we are in 
the lion's mouth we find honey in the carcass. "Who 
shall harm us if we be followers of that which ii 
good?" 

7. Have not been well for the three past days. 

8. Sabbath. In the afternoon there was a compa- 
ny playing cards over our heads, who mocked at and 



TREATED WORSE THAN MURDERERS. 29 

reviled the worship of God. " Father, forgive them." 

9. An unpleasant day: felt gloomy; hut in the 
evening the love of God tilled my heart. The guard 
take delight in making a noise. They thump and 
dance over our heads, mocking and deriding our wor- 
ship. We pity, and pray for them — " they know not 
what they do." Saw Mr. Craig, from Quincy, at the 
jailer's door. He went from there to the sheriff's but 
was not permitted to see us. I feel that this is the 
very school I need; and though I sometimes tremble 
at the danger that surrounds me, yet the promises ol 
God give me strength and peace. 

10. Last night a Mr. Berry was confined here on 
the alleged crime of murder, committed in Ky, last 
November. 

11. Mr. Berry obtained bail and left us. He is a 
slave-holder. I tried to make him acquainted with the 
principles of abolitionists, the rights of man and the 
claims of God. He could not gainsay the truth." 

0C7^ '^Let this fact be well considered. A man com- 
mitted for the crime of murder is allowed the privilege 
of bail within twenty-four hours of his confinement. 
And while he was in jail his friends had {ree access to 
him! besides, he w^is not considered sufficiently guiltv 
to deserve a chain! — while our three brethren, whose 
oflfense consisted in offering aid to a icvr wretched 
slaves in attempting to escape from their degrading 
vassalage, were treated with all manner of insult and 
scorn — made fast to the prison wall with a very heavy 
chain riveted about the ankle — guarded by an armed 
force during the whole time of their confinement there 
— kept on the coarsest fare — denied the privilege of 
seeing or corresponding with their friends, (except Mrs. 
Work and children,) — and not allowed the privilege 
of seeing ministers of the gospel from Illinois who 
called for the purpose — neither allowed to have bail!! 
The offer was, indeed, made to accept of ,5'G,000, ad- 
vanced in cash, as bail for them; but we were assured 



30 LOOKING AT DEATH. 

that no individual or any number of individuals out of 
the state would be accepted in such a case. And to 
find any in Missouri that would become thus responsi- 
ble was out of the question." — Quincy Committee.. 

12. I feel that the sheriflf is cruel in keeping the 
letters of my wife and children from me, as some of 
them contain nothing but family affairs: but I will not 
murmur. 

13. My body fails from confinement. 

14. Find peace and strength in prayer — feel my 
" inward man renewed." Then let this body fail and 
die — '•^ this corruption shall put on incorruption, and 
this mortal immortality." 

15. Sabbath. George spoke on the subject of 
faith, from the circumstance of Elisha and his servant 
seeing the mountain full of chariots and horses of fire. 
Surely ••' they that be with us are more than they that 
be with them." 

17. Saw Brothers Van Doorne and Record at the 
jailor's. As they were starling for home (Quincy) we 
hailed them. They stopped in the middle of the street 
— said they were, not permitted to speak with us — that 
our friends were well and thought much of us. (They 
brought us fruit and sundry comforts.) 

The patrols stand in the different streets at night; 
each armed with pistols, a club and cow-hide. If a 
white man passes he is hailed; if a negro, his ''pass" 
is demanded. If he has none, no excuse will answer; 
his shirt must come off and the cow-hide be applied to 
his back! 

20. Have been unwell. Looked at death. It does 
not appear dreadful, though I am so great a sinner. I 
love the Savior, his law and service; and though I 
feel he would prepare me a mansion on high, I would 
be glad to live to train up my children, and to help the 
slave; but "thy will, O Lord, be done," for which pre- 
pare me and my family. 

23. Last night heard the guard say — '■' Since the 



IN PRISON WHY 



31 



d d rascals have been here, more niggers have run 

away than ever before." They mentioned several, 
for whom ^50 and 1 100 reward was offered. It makes 
our chain Ught to think that those of others are bro- 
ken. We believe that our being here will spread the 
knowledge that there is a road to liberty. (Yes, yes, 
bless the Lord!) 

S. S. Glover, at our request, came in to see us, and 
spoke respectfully to us. This is the first Missourian 
(tlie blacks excepted) that has done so. 

The foregoing is all of Alanson's journal that I 
have been able to obtain. It will show of what spirit 
he was, and how he bore his imprisonment. He con- 
tinued his journal till the day of trial breathing the 
same spirit. Nothing could be found in it but pity to- 
wards the oppressor and oppressed. 



CHAPTER HI. 

POETRY, JOURNAL, <5bc. 

Among other letters, I received one from a sister, 
asking mc the question, why I was in prison? — which I 
answered in the following manner: — 

1 "In prison ! ah! why is this, my brother dear ? 
I was amazed and shocked, such news to hear. 
What hast thou done? — thy Savior disobeyed ? 
That thou art thus in chains and prison laid ?" 

2 Hark, sister, while to thee the cause I tell, 
Why I was bound, and why now in this cell — 
Why witnesses who're false are 'gainst me sworn, 
And cruel men with rage and malice burn. 

3 A man by thieves was met upon his way — 
Robbed, bruised, and weltering in his gore he lay — 
And sad indeed the state this man was in; 

No one to help or take him to an inn. 



32 IN PRISON — WHY ? 

4 A Levite passing where the sufferer lay, 
Stopped not to pity — hastened on his way, 
A priest along the sanoe way chanced to go, 
He looked, but left the sufferer to his wo. 

6 At length one came, who on him looked and ftU, 
Poured oil and wine, as by his side he knelt: 
On his own beast he placed the man, relieved; 
Conveyed him to an inn, nor pay received. 

6 "do, do thou likewise," saith my glorious King, 
" Relieve the poor, and out of trouble bring — 
Where'er thou find him, lend a helping hand. 
And aid him on his way to freedom's land." 

7 In deep distress a poor man thus I found, 
And offered freely to do up his wound; 

The priest and levite scorned and passed bim by — 
The neighbors heeded not his mournful cry. 

8 Knocked down, and robbed of all, he long had lain, 
By cruel men oppressed and almost slain. 

With torturing stripes his back was deeply gashed. 
Which oft, through spite and mahce, had been lashed- 

9 Thus groaning, weltering, and despised by man, 
I heard him loudly call, " Help if you can; 

To be delivered from this state I long, 

And placed where 1 may sing sweet freedom's song." 

10 I listened while he told his tale of grief, 
And longed to find some way for his relief. 
My heart with tender sympathy was moved, 
And my poor neighbor, as myself, I loved. 

11 I tried to comfort him, and poured in oil — 
I told him of Victoria's happy soil — 

"I'd like to go," said he, "but here I'm bound, 
How can I reach that distant, happy ground ?" 

12 "I'll gladly help you neighbor on your way — 
We'll carry you by night, and hide by day." 

"O! th\s \s ^ood ! his good! hia goad .'" he cried. 
"I'll go with you, and with you safely ride." 



IN PRISON WHY : 



33 



13 While thus engaged a drendful voice I heard 
Which threatened death, if Cronn the place I stirred ! 
Amazed was I — my hands were quickly tied. 
While hardened robbers stood on either side ! ! 

14 Followed by fiendish spirits, black and white, 
With hellish rage they ventfd out their spite — 
While hundreds round us rushed, to gaze and rail. 
They thrust, and locked me fast within this Jail ! 

15 Such, Sister, is the cause why I am here- 
Such, why my voice you can no longer hear. 
Did I in this do wrong? or sin commit, 

, Because I wished this man to benefit? 

16 My blessed Savior did I disobey, 

When from this man, I crossed not o'er the way ? 
Because I tried the suff'rer to relieve. 
Did I, by doing this, the Spirit grieve? 

17 Ah, no— the Dove is still within my breast. 
And 'midst the raging tempest gives me rest. 
The Savior smiles, and all within is peace, — 
The storm and tumult, He will cause to cease. 



18 " Fear not," fie says to me — "keep courage good; 
I will be with thee through the fire and flood; 
You shall not want — I'll be to you a Friend, 
And all that's needful, I will surely send!" 



19 Blest Savior, in thy word T will confide, 
And 'neath the shadow of thy wing abide. 
Now let the tempests howl, and hell engage; 
Secure and safe am I from all their rage. 



20 Come life or death — come sorrow, care, or pain- 
Jn him I'll trust, and glory in his name. 
"All things shall work together for the best;" 
And soon I'll with my glorious Jesus rest. 
Palmyra Jail, 1841. 

2 



34 "preached CHRIST TO THEM." 

Some extracts from my journal will give further par- 
ticulars and show my feelings at that time better than 
1 can now express. 

My journal, for the first month and a half is lost — 
as also all of James' — but the extracts given from 
Alanson's may be considered as expressing the feel- 
ings of each of us. We had but one mind in attempt- 
ing to aid the slave, and after we were bound among 
strangers, and in an enemy's land, we felt but one 
interest. We all rejoiced in our sufferings — each sym- 
pathized witli the olher, our hearts beat in sweet uni- 
son, and all were willing to go to the Penitentiary, or 
dit^ if need be, for the deliverance of the oppressed. 
At home or abroad, in Prison or at liberty, living or 
dying, we felt but one desire, and were aiming at but 
one object — the good of our fellow-men, and the glory 
of God. 

We had been in jail but a day or two, when one of 

the Guard came to the grates one night, and wished us 

to sing for them a song they heard us sing once; it was 

" Awake my soul, in joyful lays, 
And sing the great Redeemer's praise," &c. 

It was new to them. And we were reminded of the 
Jews in Babylon, whos2 enemies said, " Sing us one 
of the songs of Zion." But blessed be God, that we 
were not obliged to '' hang our harps upon the wil- 
lows,"— that we collide with joyful hearts, " sing the 
Lord's song," '• though in a strange land." 

July 18. Sabbath. In tlie morning a crowd came 
in to gaze upon, taunt and try us. In my chains, 
with testament in hand, I stood before them and 
preached plainly and boldly, deliverance to the op- 
pressed — holding before them the Savior in bondage^ 
bought and sold, whipped and abused, in the person 
of his '" little ones," — the slaves — making appeals to 
their consciences, &c. One of them, their chief speak- 
er, (who will hereafter speak for himself,) tried to form 
some pleas for slavery, but they were dams of quick sand. 



SNEERS AND REPROACHES. 



35 



When wc spoke of our trust in God, they sneered 
at the idea of such rascnls tiusting in Him. When 
wc appealed to his law, for our rule — they said, You 
better just let /Ar/i alone, if you know what is p;ood for 
you. God's law is not the standard here in Missouri. 
We have laws of our own. You better study them! 
When we told them, "• the eyes of the Lord are upon 
them that fear Him, nnd his ears are open to their 
cry," they replied, " What had God to do in the mat- 
ter? What does He care for you? You better trust 
in the laws of Missouri," &c. 

I am glad they are so honest as to own, what we 
have believed, and are now more fiimly convinced of, 
that the law of God, in slave states, is null and void — a 
dead Utter. {Slavery tramples the Bil)le in the mire, 
nor heeds in the least, its warning voice! 

When Brn. Hunter and Warren came over to see 
us, the first- time, they brought us such books as they 
thought would be suited to our condition — such as the 
Rook of Martyrs, Village Hymns, Greek Testament, 
Pilgrim's Progress, some Memoirs, Henry and JScott's 
Commentaries, Christian Lyre, Manhattan Collection, 
&c., &c. So that we had plenty of reading and mu- 
sic. Considerable of our time was spent in tuning our 
hearts and voices in praise. At morning, noon and 
night, we thus poured out our souls before the Lord. 

Our singing, and happy contentment in our Prison- 
house, much annoyed the consciences of the inhabitants 
of Palmy la. They said, " they are the strangest pris- 
oners we ever had here:" "We never saw such men 
before:" Hark, the rebels are singing," &c. "But 
none of these things moved us." Though at times the 
guard would order us to stop our singing, try to mock 
or frighten us, as "" servants of the most high God," 
we felt that we were bound to praise his name in every 
place. 

July 2L A load came from Mission Institute. Brn. 
Griswold, Kirkland and Seymour, Mrs. Seymour, and 



36 FRIENDS FROM QUINCY. 

M. C, also Mrs. Work. None but Mrs. W. were al- 
lowed to look at us. We could see them walk tlie 
street, but could not speak a word to them. This was 
trying, but the Lord is good and kind in it all. They 
brouglitus many little comforts, which we were allow- 
ed to have, — straw bed, bedding, &c. After a long 
time, Mrs. W. was allowed to come in, with the sher- 
iff, jailer, and others. She fell prostrate at her husband's 
feet, and wept excessively, for some time. At length, 
becoming more composed, she talked and prayed vvitli 
us. She begged the sheriff to take off the chain — but 
no. She asked that they would keep hei\ and let her 
husband go home, — no, no! The scene was affecting. 
We tried to comfort her, directing her to "• trust in the 
Lord," and all would be well. Lord, be with and sup- 
port her. 

While they w^ere here, a rabble gathered round, and 
acted like heathen. Poor, deluded, miserable men! 
O, Jesus, sanctify this event to us and to them. — 
My faith is tried. My heart is sick, at seeing the de- 
pravity of man. Had I now no Savior, what could I 
do? No promises, where could I go? These disap- 
pointments are for my good. O, that 1 may have no 
will of my own. 

Bro. G. demanded admittance to us, as our counsel, 
but was denied. 

26. Last night there was a rabble around the jail 
nearly ail night, carousing, and thirsting for our blood. 
Night gatherings around the jail are frequent. 

27. Last night great excitement about twelve run- 
away slaves. Some went in pursuit of them. May 
the Lord direct and protect the "outcasts." 

28. O, the degradation of man! How sweet i.s 
the word of God! Bright and very excellent does 
religion appear, when I witness the conduct of those 
who profess it not. May we ever exhibit the true 
spirit of Jesus. 



VISITED BY FRIENDS. 



37 



1 should write more if I could get. paper. My 
journal I write on old scraps, and keep it in my watcli 
pocket. "It is all for the best." 

31. Time passes very pleasantly, 

Aug. 1. This morning a company came, gazed, 
talked, mocked, and sneered. "-This," said one, is a 
Gospel ship. "" Honorable appellation! Psalms Ixxxi 
and Ixxxiv have alForded great comfort to us. Ps. xci 
has been a rich feast. What! Angels keepers? Yes. 
O, precious — delectable — sweet ! Of this fountain 
the ungodly cannot drink. 

5. Mr. Warren, and Mrs. Work, and Aunt Terrel 
called to see us. Mrs. W. was admitted. Aunt T. 
stood at the door, wept, and begged to see us, but 
could not. This is strange. Their hearts are made 
of steel — surely they cannot be flesh. Esq. W. de- 
manded admittance as our counsel but was denied! 
They came near mobbing him. Poor deluded crea- 
tures, they act more like fiends than men! 

G. To M . "•! am glad you can trust me and 

yourself in God's hands. 1 am happy in lying there. 
His promises arc as a rock^ and strong consolation to 
my soul. I can see no reason for feeling uneasy or 
being troul)led. I know my Father will do just right. 
We shall one day see it and thank him for this provi- 
dence; then let us rejoice now." 

8. The excitement runs high. We are a wonder 
to them. God will '^ cause the wra!h of man to 
praise him." Glory to Jesus! I find the Book of 
Martyrs very interesting and profitable. I am in a 
palace compared with the condition of the ancient 
Christians. Compared with them 1 do not sufTer at 
all. 

Sweet Sabbath! 

9. Happy to-day. Time passes pleasantly. Said 
Latimer to Ridley, as they were bound to the stake, 
"We shall this day light such a candle, by God's 
grace, in England, as I trust, shall never be put out. 



38 LETTER TO A FRIEND. 

God grant a candle mny be lighted in this prison^ that 
shall not cease to burn, till slavry shall come to an 
end. Although we are so small, insignificant, and 
unworthy, yet 1 have no doubt God will kindle a fire, 
that will burn and spread, not only through this 
region and state, but through the United States, and 
that will hasten the deliverance of the oppressed and 
the conversion of the world. O! how unworthy am I 
to be the brand that shall be burned to cause this 
light! 

Dear Lord, "-do with me as secmeth thee good." 
Let this body be tortured and killed, only spread thy 
truth and glorify thy blessed nnme. But leave me 
not to my own strength. Stand by me: support, and 
comfort mc. We are unworthy to lie here. We do 
not deserve the honor; but my God can use feeble 
means, and kindle the flame. Glory to his name! 

LETTER TO A FRIEND. 

Pnlmyra Prison, August 9. 1841. 

"M. I feel as if I wanted to express my feelings 

to you, that you may know what is the state of my 
mind, and how to pray for me; and I request, that 
before you read any further, you will retire and pray, 
that your mind and heart may be in a proper frame^ 
to receive and profit by what I am about to say. 
Lest you may feel that I am disturbed in my mind, 
you may be assured that it is fixed on God. He is 
my stay. I feel a sweet peace within, and an assur- 
ance that He will do just right. 

"To-day I have hcaid more of the feelings of the 
people here, than I have since I came. It is amazing 
what passions can dwell in the human heart. 

"Brn. Brown and Turner came here about noon, and 
we talked with them through the grates. A crowd 
immediately gathered round, with savage wildness 
and helHsh madness depicted in their countcBanees. 



LETTER TO A FRIEND. dV 

They looked upon Brn. B. and T. with a fiendish, 
blood-thirsty eye, as they talked to us through the 
grates. When Bro. B, asked, "Are you so filled with 
grief that you cannot cat your bread?" and I promptly 
answered, " No, wc arc h;ipp}';" the}' were "-cut to 
the heart," and could scarcely refrain from gnashing 
on B. and T. with their teeth. Bro. B. remarked, 
"We are all praying for you, and sympathize with 
you, and believe God will overrule it for great good;" 
which stirred their rage very much. Bro. T. asked 
James, how he felt about a ''^certain subject,''^ which 
they had often talked over. James replied, "The 
same as usual." Fuel was only added to the flame. 

^^As soon as the brethren left us to get their wagon, 
they then gave vent to their spite and enmity, still 
standing under the window, where we could hear. 
They were running-over full. One man made a 
flaming speech about our feeling so happy, when we 
had committed such an awful crime! — believed we 
lied — said we must have hard consciences^ &c. Others, 
"They are sure to go to Jefferson." Others, "If they 
are not sentenced for twenty years, they will be 
hung here. The people will not be satisfied with 
any thing less." Others, twenty-five years. Others 
thought the people would be contented with a seti- 
tcncc of twenty years. Others, "It will need 100 
men to take them to JefTcrson, &c. 

"When brethren B. and T. came back, and left 
the things, they again began to gather, but they 
drove off before all came. One cried out, "You 
need not come with that blacking, for they have 
gone." They then talked of pursuing them, but 1 
think they did not. 

'•Such is a sketch of what T have seen and heard 
to-day. It drove me to my Bible to search for prom- 
ises, and with them to the mercy seat. For a few 
moments my mind was a Utile agitated, but reflec- 
tion, prayer, and the promises, calmed the tumult of 



40 LETTER FROM JAMES. « 

my thoughts, and brought sweet peace and consola- 
tion. I was enabled to roll my burden upon the 
Lord, and feel that He would sustain me, and grant 
me all needed grace. 

"I feel that we are in the hands of God, and that 
He will do with us just as shall be for our best good, 
the good of the slave and the world. I don't know 
but we may be called to sufier, (we have not yet suf- 
fered any,) and perhaps to die for the slave, and for 
the truth of our Lord. 1 know that our Father can 
i)rescrve and deliver us; and will, if that will most 
glorify his name, (and I don't wish him to do it un- 
less his cause will be more advanced by my life than 
by my death.) Many holy men and women have 
been long imprisoned, and killed in many ways, for 
the name of Jesus, who, to human appearance, were 
much needed in the church, and who promised fair to 
do much good; but God saw that their sufferings and 
death would do more for his glory than their lives, 
and suffered wicked men to vent their fury upon 
them. He could have preserved them. Lovejoy's 
death probably did more good than he could have 
done by his life. I have expected that there must 
be more sacrifices upon the altar of slavery, before it 
v/ould come to an end, and if God sees fit to select 
one, so unworthy of the honor as myself, to suffer or 
die in this cause, I say, Amen. 

« George." 



James, writing to Bro, Turner respecting the same 
adds, '•'•One said, '•It was a violation of the laws of 
God and man, as sure as there is a God' — that is, our 
act. Another, 'I have concluded to hang them.' An- 
other, 'I have determined to have them whipped,' and 
with many similar imprecations did they curse us. 
When they heard what brother B. said, they were cut 



TREATMETTT OF A SLAVE. 



41 



to the heart; and when they saw you were gone, they 
were ready to gnash on us with their teeth. But as 
the natural heart is opposed to God, of course it is to 
all good. Nothing enrages them so much as to hear 
of our peace and comfort. But our hope is in God. 
Ps. vii, xviii, xxii, and xlvi. Isaiah xli: 10 — 19. 
God's word, dear brother, appears more and more 
precious every day. 

"•When we were first taken into the jail, the jailer 
said to us, ' This is your house.' " We then dedicated 
it to God, for the time we should occupy it, 

"We have good times on the Sabbath. I feel that 
God is giving us severe lessons to learn, but, blessed 
be his name, it is good to be taught of Him." 



Au(r. 14. The king of Syria was an enemy to 
Israel, and to God's people. He sent an army to take 
Elisha. When Elisha's servant arose in the morn- 
ing, he saw the city surrounded, and was filled with 
fear. Forgetting Elisha's God, he cried, '■'•Alas, my 
master, how shall we do?" He saw no way of escape. 
He had no fcdth^ and consequently could not see. 
But what was the reply of one who had faith in God? 
*'/earnoi, for they that be with us are more than 
they that be with them," This was like a Christian. 
With the enemy were horses, and chariots, and a 
host; but with Elisha, the Almighty God, the angels, 
and the hosts of heaven. Why then should he fear? 
What could man do unto him? O Lord, increase my 
feith, 

Mr, Creathe, a Campbellite preacher in Lewis Co., 
Mo., is here preaching. Albert says he has a slave, 
through whose ear he has cut a hole, where he takes 
hold when he whips him!! — says he has seen the 
hole himself. How far is slavery behind the inquisi' 
tion? 



42 PATROLLER8. ♦ 

POOR MEN IN SLA.VE STATES. 

In conversation with our jailer, he remarked " It is 
noplace here for a poor man; he can't get along." 
No; slavery crushes him. 

16. A few nights since, a woman of vile character 
spent most of the night with the guard overhead. 
The next day I wrote a letter to the sheriff, informing 
him that it was very unpleasant living so near a 
brothel, and requested its removal. He gave the let- 
ter to the guard. We overheard them read it, and 
say, "-Now this thing is known, and she must leave 
the place," &c. Last night, Esq. Wilson, captain of 
the guard, came in with others, and showed out some 
of his spite about it. He had his iron rod in his 
hand and seemed much agitated and enraged against 
me. " Well, is that brothel removed yet?" said he. 
He evidently came to give us a severe flogging, but 
dare not here in the jail. He is much troubled, 

Mr. Bess, the jailer, says they sent her away from 
town soon after that time. So it seems the letter 
was not in vain. 

PATROLLERS. 

David foresaw and described them more than two 
thousand years ago, in Psalm lix: 6, 7, and they now 
answer the description. In the 8th verse he pro- 
nounced their sentence. They are very despicable 
characters. 

The slaves here, on the Sabbath, dress like gentle- 
men. They get their clothes by extra work, done on 
the Sabbath and in the night, and yet ••' they can't 
take care of themselves!" Shame on those who hide 
under this leaf. 

17. The Lord is my comfort. Is. li: 12, 13. Dost 
thou, dear Lord, ask "who I am?" I am but dust — 
a feeble worm — yet leave me not to fear my fellow 
worms, who are also weak and shall die; nor to "for- 



• BLASPHEMY. 43 

get thee," the Lord my Maker, though "the fury of the 
oppressor" is great, and he seems '•'•ready to destroy." 
The Christian should not live in slavery, but walk 
at liberty. 

BLASPHEMY. 

Last niglit, one of the guard, talking about our 
first letter that was published, said, "It is blasphemy 
and sacrilege for thievks to write such a letter!" 

This letter was an affectionate outpouring of our 
souls to those whom we dearly loved in the Lord, 
and with whom we had long "taken sweet counsel;" 
expressive of our happiness, contentment, submission, 
faith — asking their prayers, urging them to duty, 
&c. 

Reader; you sec how enlightened the inhabitants 
of slave states are, and what clear views of sin and 
virtue, reverence and blasphemy, they have! O! if 
you have any pity in your heart, let it move for such 
pitiable objects. 

"Mr. Moore, the rumseller, is nearly as great a 
nuisance as John was. Charles and Albert seem 
worse than ever, and to be hardening fast. Dear 
Savior, preserve our souls safe from their polluting 
influence. Teach us how to speak and act before 
them. 

Aug. 20. Our circumstances are such as try our 
souls, and make us feel the preciousness of religious 
society. There is so much obscene talk — so many fool- 
ish songs — and so much trifling nonsense, that, much 
of the time, we can read with but little satisfaction; 
.and it is often diflicult to fix our minds so as to pray 
with an undivided heart. For two nights past I have 
had precious seasons, in the silent watches, when all 
was still, and nothing to disturb. With the poet I can 
say, 

*"Tis sweet conversing on my bed, 
With my own heart and Thee." 



44 THE CHURCH IN SLAVE STATES. » 

Why should I feel anxious about my friends? Does 
not my kind Father sit on the throne? Am I not in 
liis hands ? Will He not do right ? Does he not 
know what I need, better than myself? Then for 
me to murmur, is great folly and aggravated unbe- 
lief. He has always done me good; and frequently 
I have had occasion to thank Him for providences, 
which at tlie time looked dark, and I could not under- 
stand, and I will trust Him now. 

THE CHURCH IN SLAVE STATES, 

Aug. '21. In slave states, especially, Zion is almost 
dead — but little signs of life left. 

IXIP Slavery eats out the very vilals. It causes 
and nourishes pride, laziness, haughtiness, cruelly, 
oppression, deceit, fraud, theft, lying, Sabbath-break- 
ing, drunkenness, adultery, fornication and all un- 
cleanness, murder, and every thing that is hateful and 
abominable in the sight of God! It disregards all 
his laws — tramples them under foot — sunders, and as 
it were, annihilates, the principles of the Gospel; and 
how CAN a church, with such a monster in ils bosom, 
grow in the grace of God? Until slavery dies, there 
can await the slavcholding church nought but leanness 
and death. Already is error and delusion sweeping 
through the land like a mighty flood. O Lord, how 
long? How wonderful, ivcndcrful., that God has borne 
so long! Surely he hath showed us what is good — "to 
do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with 
God.'' But where is this to be found in the slave 
states? Certainly not in Missouii — not in Palmyra. 



22. How delightful the Sabbath morning! How 
my soul would leap for joy to meet with the saints in 
the sanctuary? But this is denied mcl Is the Savior 



MORE FUGITIVES. 45 

ashamed of our habitation, or our chains? Glory to 
God — no! He will come even here and bless us, 
though man may curse and reproach, and many who 
profess to love Ilim, be ashamed to be seen com- 
muning with us. 

Have taken comfort in reading my father's letter. 
This morning Alanson talked to us from Isaiah Iv: 6; 
very good: 1 did not know that he could preach so 
well. In the afternoon, I talked from Micah vi: 2, 
3, 8. Card playing overhead, and much noise. 

23. Morning. The leaven is working — the flame 
is rising — the fire is spreading! May the Lord fan 
the flame. Last week we learned, by overhearing 
the guard, that the people here are much troubled 
on account of their slaves. Since we have been here, 
light has gone abroad, and some sparks have found 
their way into the minds of the slaves, who are be- 
ginning to walk in the light thereof towards the river. 

Said Esq. Wilson, "Since these d d rascals have 

been put here, the slaves are going off faster and 
faster; [good, good — go it my good fellows!] and there 
are multitudes of other rascals, just like them, on the 
other side, ready to help the runaways along." Yes, 
yes, Mr. W., and they are multiplying "faster and 
faster," too. May the Lord protect and carry them 
through. Shall we murmur that we arc cast here? 
Are we not willing to suffer for the slaves, and thereby 
for our master? If the leaven begins to work so 
soon, shall we not rejoice? Yea, Lord, carry on thine 
own work, in thine own way. 

If the Palmyrians think to wreak their spite on all 
the "rascals" who arc like us, on the other side, they 
will have a long work before them. Let them rage, 
and foam, and vent out helFs fume — let them imprison, 
revile, and menace, but let them know also, that the 
more Ihey stir up fire-brands, the brighter and fiercer 
will they burn — the more they attempt to extinguish 
the flame, the hotter will it flash in their f ices — the 



46 



A HAPPY DAY. 



more rapidly spread and consume (.heir two-legged 
property! Let them go on then. They are but 
spreading snares for their own feet — preparing shame 
to cover their own faces — using means to defeat their 
own purposes, and pull down what they wish to build 
up. Work away — work hard! 

Before breakfast, Mr. Glover came in. He ap- 
peared the most friendly and gentlemanly of any one 
that has been here, (our friends excepted,) since we 
came. He spoke like afn'pnd — said the sherit!"'s con- 
duct was altogether unjustifiable — he had no right so 
to do — that prisoners, may, by law, have paper, &c. 
The sheriff came in a moment, but could not look us 
in the face, nor did we have time to speak with him 
at all. I expect he has what Bunyan calls the gripes. 

Evening. I know not how to express my feelings, 
nor in what words to frame my thanks to God, for 
what I have seen, heard, and felt to-day. My heart 
is full to overflowing. Bless the Lord for his good- 
ness. My soul exults in him who orders all things 
aright,, and for his own glory. His kind hand is very 
plain, his directing providence quite manifest. 

The journal description is so lengthy, I cannot 
copy. A load of our friends came to see us, (nine 
in number,) bringing us many comforts, fruit, cakes, 
pies, bread, clothes, letters, &c. None but Mrs. W. 
and her children were allowed to come in, and they 
were strictly forbidden to say any thing to the lather, 
or he to his family, except in a manner that all could 
hear! This was truly astonishing, and shows the heart- 
hardening and conscience-searing effects of slavery. 
They seemed perfectly steeled, and past feeling. 

With the other friends we conversed through the 
grates, with great satisfaction, passing letters to and 
from each other, while we shook hands through the 
iron bars. In this way the most of our writings had 
to be sent out. The brethren and sisters seemed very 
cheerful and happy. Said one, (now my wife,) ''I 



COUNSEL ENGAGED. 47 

come not to weep, but to rejoice with you." And we 
did n'joice to see them so submissive under the afflic- 
tion. It seemed to do our friends much good, thus to 
have an opportunity to see and speak with us, though 
iron grates intervened. 

Among other letters, I received one from my brother 
in Ohio, written to Bro. Hunter. He said, ''•Tell 
George I am not '•ashamed of his chain,' nor to call 
him a brother, in any sense of the word." It was re- 
viving. Two of our letters were rolled in a cloth, 
and hakcd in the center of a loaf of cake, so that 
when we opened the cake, our letters were safe and 
legible. Such cakes we valued very highly. They 
were" rich food — very nourishing. The Lord can find 
ways enough to give his children all that is good. 

Our beloved teacher, Bro. Beardsley, informed us 
that the committee in Quiricy had concluded to em- 
ploy Esq. Warren, of Quincy, and Wright, of Pal- 
myra. As they did not feel justified in employing 
another counsel, and as Wright was unwilling to un- 
dertake without the assistance of S. T. Glover, we 
engaged him — Alanson giving his note for two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. The fee of the other two was 
four hundred dollars, paid, principally, by friends. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE SLEEPING PREACHER, JOURNAL, &c. 

Jiug. 24. Last night Charles dreamed aloud again, 
(He, in his dreams, talked it all aloud.) We lay and 
heard him for two or three hours. He preached us a 
good sermon — adapted to the occasion, and fitted to 
our circumstances. We were much benefitted there- 
by, and strengthened in our faith; encouraged to trust 
in God implicitly, being assured if we have Him on 
our side, vain are all the efforts of wicked men and 



48 THE DREAM. 

devils arrajed against us. He was emphaticallj a 
sleeping preacher, nnd a. xery eloquent one too. Though 
he is an ignorant, wicked boy, even Demosthenes 
could not produce liner strains of eloquence — nor Bun- 
yan more sublime and striking metaphors — nor divines 
more pure theology. It was beyond any thing 1 ever 
heard; and I trust we shall remember and profit by 
that sermon as long as we live. 

The next morning I wrote down all the principal 
ideas, as far as I could call them to mind, and give a 
few of them below for the curiosity of the reader, and 
I hope profit too. 

THE DREAM. 

He first seemed to be in a by-way, where he ought 
not to be, with his mother, his child and another of his 
companions by the name of George. V/hilc there, 
he espied a huge monster with great horns, and an 
iron grapple in his hand, coming towards them. They 
were much tcnified; and he felt that the devil had 
come for him and his child. He seized the child, 
threw it to his mother, and said to the monster — '"' Let 
my child alone, and take me." The mother and child 
escaped, while he disputed with the devil, who seized 
him; but he very narrowly made his escape, and they 
all got home. After they had talked about what had 
passed, he consulted with George about going with an 
army to take all the slaves in the country and free 
them. He would make peace with slave-holders on 
one condition only — that they should give up every 
slave. Said he, "I'll have ever;)/ one, even to a span 
long." He was very uncompromising with them. 

While thus employed in talking, his wife (who was 
dead) appeared to him, and gave him a letter, in which 
she exhorted him to repent and meet her in heaven, 
or he must go to hell — told him that the child must die 
and be with its mother, &c., which gave him much 



THE DREAM. 



49 



trouble and distress. He thought of bis promises to 
his wife on her dying bed and how he had broken 
them. He talked with his mother who urged him to 
repent and prepare to meet his wife. 8hc spoke of 
his wife's urging him to be a Christian. Now and then 
he would get out of patience and exclaim, '•'•Mother, 
do go away and let me alone; you are all the time at 
me about this subject — do let me alone." At length 
he confessed his neglect and his sin — said he was sorry 
— and after much entreaty and persuasion, promised 
he would do better and serve God the rest of his \ik, 
and trust in Him. He then seemed very happy — had 
great courage and faith in God — was not afraid of the 
devil and all his hosts — felt he could put them all to 
flight, and none of them could hurt him so long as he 
kept his faith in the Almighty God. '' I have cast 
aside the devil's garments and implements," said he, 
" with which I could do nothing, and have put on God's 
garments, in which nothing can hurt me." 

He then began to talk with George, his companion, 
who was very fearful and faint hearted: — "You must 
not be so. You have the devil's garment on, and you 
must cast it all aside before you can do any thing or 
be happy; and you must put on God's garments; then 
you will not fear." George tried to put the garment 
on over the devil's. "•No; you can't do that. You 
must take the old garment clean off. It won't go on 
over. It just fits, and you can't get it on over any- 
thing." George tried, but could not get the old gar- 
ment off. '■^ Try again, pull hard, tear it off and throw 
it in the devil's face. I had to try hard many times, 
and kept it on a long time, but bless God, I've got it off 
and got on a new one which the devil can't look at." 
George finally got it off and the devil took it away. 
He put on God's garment, and was happy and coura- 
geous. " Now when the devil meets you look him 
right in the eye and he can't hurt you, but if you look 
down you are gone forever. Don't be afraid; look up; 
look him plumb in the eye, and he'll flee. 
3 



50 THE DREAM. 

With our enemies is only the devil, but with us the 
Almighty God who is stronger than all. He has giv- 
en me a commission to go and fight, and He will be 
with me, for He has said so, (and that is enough,) He 
can''t lie. I shall conquer. They can't overcome. 
God will help me and bring me safely home to heaven. 

George, you must give up all the devil's armor, keep 
none; take entirely new; take God's. There is a trap 
door in the heart, and you must turn the heart bottom 
upwards, and empty out all the filth and bad stuff, and 
have it filled with good, with God and his Spirit. Do 
it now. 

You must not attempt to go round the command- 
ments; you must go straight and keep them. If you 
go round them the first you know you will be right 
plumb in the middle of hell. 

Keep your coat on. So long as you keep it on and 
your bright weapons in your hand the devil can't look 
at you. You can walk right over him." 

He was sometimes very oratorical. It exceeded 
any thing I ever heard. It was wonderful; for when 
awake he is an exceedingly wicked and profane man. 
He must have been talking in this way for two or three 
hours; so that I have given a mere skeleton of the 
scene. Could the whole dream be written out, just as 
he spoke it, it would make an uncommonly interesting, 
amusing and instructive little volume. 

At other times in his dreams he would be command- 
ing an army, planning and calculating with great 
shrewdness how to obtain the conquest, pursuing the 
enemy, cutting bridges, charging with his cavalry ort 
the surprised foe, firing cannon, shouting — " they flee, 
they flee, hurrah! come on my brave fellows," — and 
then, after a victory, calhng his oflicers about him and 
addressing one and another, praising their bravery, 
encouraging them and bestowing rewards upon them. 

This "• sleeping preacher" is a short, thick set, stout 
mulatto — a Canadian — was engaged in their war skir- 



TREATMENT OF SLAVES. 



&! 



mishes there a few years ago, where he probably ob- 
tained his war spirit. And if he is as shrewd and per- 
severing and undaunted a warrior when awake as 
when asleep our generals would do well to seek him 
out and promote him to some chief rank^ for in his 
sleep he seemed to understand war tactics perfectly. 

His hatred of slavery was inveterate; and from his 
dreams it was evident that he thought much of lead- 
ing an army into the South and liberating every slave 
in the land. At times, in his dreams, he had collected 
a force and was going from plantation to plantation 
proclaiming Uberty to every one who would join, and 
thus swelling his army till it was irresistible. 

A\ig. 25. " In reproaching us do they not reproach 
the Savior?" (Mat. xxv: 40, 45.) " They have blas- 
phemed thy name, O! Lord." ''How long?" "Arise, 
plead thine own cause. Remember how the foolish 
man reproacheth thee daily." (Ps. Ixxiv: 22.) 

Surely ■■' the dark places of the earth" (slave holding 
dominions) ■•' are full of the habitations of cruelty." It 
is a system of cruelty as much as the Inquisition. 

Said Charles, "• It is a common thing for slaves to 
come upon the boats almost starved and plead and beg 
for something to eat; will offer their hats or their 
clothes for something to satisfy the cravings of na- 
ture; will work Sundays and nights to get money to 
buy something to eat!" He says they are often fed on 
cotton seed! 

When I think of separated wives and husbands, pa- 
rents and children, brothers and sisters; the mangled, 
bleeding backs; the starvations; the oppressions and 
labors; the murders, degradations and ignorance; the 
innumerable evils and sufferings indescribable; I can 
but exclaim with the Psalmist — '■^Fall of cruelty P'' "-O, 
Lord, pluck thy right hand out of thy bosom; let thy 
arm be exalted and thy name honored in the destruc- 
tion of this evil." 



52 



BLOODY TOWNS. 



To day we talked with Ambrose — Dr. Ely's slave. 
He has a family of nine children — is buying himself — 
has to pay nine hundred dollars with interest! — has it 
nearly paid, besides having worked two years for the Dr 
of which no account was made. He was sold to go 
down south, but ran away, and the Dr. bought him 
running in the woods. He is forty-one years old, black 
and very large. He told us that one of the slaves who 
betrayed us had run away and there was fifty dollars 
reward offered for him. '^ O, they won't run away, 
they can't be hired to run away." Ah, ha! Let them 
be sure o( friends^ and see. 

The blacks generally seem to sympathize with us; 
they are getting some ideas into their heads which are 
new to them. 

O, if our enemies knew what they were doing how 
they would tremble at the consequences. They are 
fast undermining themselves. 

The thought that our being here will advance the 
cause of liberty is delightful. Let them do what they 
please with this body, if the chains of the poor slave are 
broken thereby, I will gladly sufTer all that their spite 
and malice can invent. With the assurance that it 
will be so, a State's prison will be a sweet place. 

BLOODY TOWNS. 

Aug. 26. Habk. ii : 1 1, 12.—" Wo to him that build- 
eth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniqui- 
ty." What meaneth this strange this awful language? 
How can a town be built with blood? How establish- 
ed by iniquity? Go to ancient Babylon. It was 
built and enriched by conquering other nations; its 
glory sustained by the blood of its enemies. It was 
established by its iniquitous laws. Concerning it the 
" woe'' was fulfilled. It has long since been a deso- 
lation. 



THE SOUTH. 



53 



But come to our own country. Behold our southern 
cities. They are built and enriched and sustained by 
the gains procured from the blood and sweat and tears 
of the slave. They are built on slavery^ and slavery is 
a system of wholesale bloodshed — the blood flows con- 
tinually. 

They are also " established" by such "iniquity" as 
the sun scarce ever looked upon! Behold their laws, 
by which they are governed and " established," and 
well may we blush to think that we belong to the same 
race. 

O ! could their cruelty and oppression be fully known ! 
But can they prosper? Is not the cup of New Orleans, 
of Vicksburg, of Palmyra almost full? The "■ woe" 
has gone out against them, and if it is not executed 
in their overthrow it is fulfilled in their moral desola- 
tion, and will be in their eternal destruction unless 
they repent. Are the inhabitants so generally and en- 
tirely sunken in iniquity, and so united together in 
their wickedness, that there are none to testify against 
them? Let them not, therefore, think they are secure, 
for "• the stone out of the wall shall cry against them, 
and the beam out of the timber shall answer it," (or 
" witness against it," as the margin reads.) and pro- 
claim their abominations. God will find witnesses 
enough to testify against them, and unless they repent 
there is only wo ! wo ! ! WO ! ! ! for them. , 

liast night Charles preached repentance again in 
his sleep. He is much disturbed in mind, — Alanson 
talked with him to day. He said, " I have so much 
pressing on my mind that I can't attend to religion." 
Getting out and getting slaves to Canada occupies 
all his thoughts. 

My journalizing now is all done on old letters, and 
my letters written on old cards, which I split — write 
on the inside with my pencil, and on the outside with 
ink. '• Necessity is the mother of invention." 



54 DEVICES OP THE ENEMY. 

The effects of slavery are seen very plainly In this 
State. Horse-racing is a great game among them. 
Private gambling is prohibited, while public and whole- 
sale gambling is licensed by statute! Fighting, duel- 
ing, lawing, (or mobbing,) murdering, and so on, abound. 
Children are brought up to be haughty and insolent, 
and the fine feelings of the soul are totally destroyed. 

27. When I read of the unspeakable pains and 
tortures so many Christians have endured from the 
servants of satan, I can hardly think of my condition. 
Happy, happy am I. Thanks to God that I live in 
this day. Yea, thanks to his name that I am here. 

DEVICES OF THE ENEMY. 

Doubtless our enemies felt they were waging an un- 
holy warfare. For, so little confidence had they in 
the justice of their cause, that they used every means 
they could devise to call to their aid the united preju- 
dices of the community against us. 

At first they branded us with the name of Mormons, 
than which. Abolitionists excepted, there Avas not a 
more odious name in Missouri, This was soon known 
to be falsely applied. Then they called us Dr. Nelson's 
satellites — a name we were proud of — and he had been 
driven from their midst and hunted like a wolf, fleeing, 
in dead of night, for his life. In the papers they pub- 
lished tfs as dyed-in-the-wool abolitionists. 

Some were so zealous in the cause, they went about 
reporting that the Church to which we belonged had 
held several meetings, and passed resolutions to come 
and take us out by force; which caused great exciie- 
ment and tumult, preparations for resisting, «fec. 

And when the three men were hung in St. Louis, 
they published a confession, said to be Brown's, in 
which he confessed he had assisted eighty slaves to 
Canada in one year — that he was employed by the 
abolitionists, and received a large salary, &c. 



EXCITEMENT. 



55 



The Rev. Mr, Bullard came out and published that 
Brown denied ever saying any such thing, but this 
was of no avail. They were eager to believe that it 
was so, and I suppose they succeeded; for it is exceed- 
inglv easy and natural for the carnal heart to " believe 
a lie." 

All these and other causes combining produced a 
tremendous excitement all over the country against us. 
Even the little, boys drank in the spirit, and would come 
to the jail and try to torment us, knocking on the door 
and calling out, — "Ha! there, niggcr-stealers, you 
think you will steal any more niggers? heh?" — yea, 
and even the women would revile us as they passed 
the jail! 

But by this excitement they only burdened them- 
selves, making it necessary, as they supposed, to keep 
a guard of four men at the jail, every night, at an ex- 
pense of $1,50 a piece, |;6,00 a night, for seventy 
nights — $420, beside other expenses amounting in all to 
nearly ,f 1,000 — all to come out of the county. 

Again, the more they increased and kept up the ex- 
citement, the more Hght spread abroad, the more the 
slaves inquired, heard and learned; and many times 
more than we should have got away, had we suc- 
ceeded, bade farewell to Missouri and slavery in 
consequence of their foolish zeal to excite public odi- 
um against us. 

See how God "disappointeth the crafty devices"' of 
the wicked, how He " takes them in their own crafti- 
ness," and causes all their " wrath to praise Him," 
while his children sing and rejoice. 



56 EXTRACT TO MOTHER BALLARD. 

CHAPTER V. 

EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 

EXTRACT TO MOTHER BALLARD. 

"We do not feel to murmur or repine, because we 
are here confined, and deprived of" former privileges. 
JVo. It is not for us to say what we will do — where 
we will go, &c., — all this we leave with our Father, 
to direct as will most glorify his name. He best 
knows what kind of a training we need — and shall 
we say to Him — '-This is not the best?" We cannot. 
We are happy here — and how can we be unhappy so 
long as we have such words as, Ps. xviii: P2; xxiii; 
xxvii: 1 — 3, 10 — 14; xxxii: 7,8; xxxiv; xxxvii: 1 — 8; 
xlvi: 1 — 3; Ixxi: 1 — 8; Ixxxiv: 11, 12; xci; cxxi: 
cxxv: 1, 2. Is. xxvi: 3, 4; xUii: 1 — 3; xlix: 25; 
Matt, v: 10—12. Rom. vii: 28, 35—39; and many 
others? These are a few of our cordials — our ton- 
ics — our balsams — our life preservers. Just read 
them carefully, and see if they are not sufficient for 
every state. Although our chain is a very large one, 
yet it feels very light. I sometimes forget I have any 
chain on my leg. I hardly think of it. Mother come 
and pray with us in our palace. Come and see how 
we keep house. We are highly favored. We not 
only have a cook, but our victuals and drink are even 
brought to us, so that we are not obliged to step a 
foot out of the door. 

Yours truly, 

George." 



The following was written to Rev. Moses Hunter 
on a margin, cut from a newspaper. 



LETTER TO REV. MOSES HUNTER. 57 

Palmyra Jail, Aug. 28, 1841. 
^^Dear Bro. H. 

You see we have to rob the edges of 
newspapers in order to get paper on which to write 
to you. I have kept my journal on scraps of old let- 
ters, bits of newspapers, &c., ever since I came here. 
The paper which you left with the Sheriff, we cannot 
get. It has been more than three weeks since we had 
an opportunity to speak with him. But if his con- 
science can endure his conduct, we can easily bear 
what he sees fit to lay upon us. I think he will view 
his conduct in a very different light, at the great day 
of solemn trial. It seems he is determined to prevent 
us froni obtaining justice. May the Lord have mercy 
on him. 

The jailer appears quite friendly. He is willing to 
do all he dares for us. We are watched very closely. 
The guard annoy us very much. Poor men! I pity 
them. Many of the blacks appear like real friends, 
and take a deep interest in our case. Some of them 
will get a kw ideas, which I hope they will improve 
to advantage. They frequently converse with us 
through the grates, and some of them appear like sen- 
sible men. 

God will take the cause into his own hands. Let 
this comfort our friends, though we go to the peniten- 
tiary or be assassinated. Our bodies, our earthly 
case and comfort, are nothing compared with God's 
cause. Let God's will be done, and ours yield joy- 
fully to his. 

I think it will be well to have a number of the sis- 
ters here on the day of decision. If we are acquitted 
their presence will have a tendency to restrain vio- 
lence. The Lord will reward you for all your trouble, 
and many poor slaves will rise up and 'call you 
blessed.' Yours, 

George." 



58 THE missourian's letter. 

The following letter was written by P. L. C, of 
Palmyra, who is said to belong to the Episcopal 
church; (at any rate he professed to be very pious 
when he talked to us.) It was written for the St. 
Louis Republican. 

THE missourian's LETTER. 

"•Mr. a. B, Chambers: 

Dear Sir, — From an editorial which I 
observed in a late number of yours, in regard to the 
AboHtionists which have been lately apprehended in 
this county, I perceive you have been led into an 
error in saying they were Mormons. They are Pres- 
byterians, and are the satellites of the notorious Dr. 
David Nelson, formerly of this county. Two of 
them are students of his; the other is a man of family. 
You will remember that this same reverend gentle- 
man was driven away from this county, some five or 
six years since, for disseminating Abolition doctrines. 

"When these men were first arrested, I was under 
the impression that they were kidnappers, and that 
their object was to get the negroes oif and sell them; 
but I am perfectly convinced that they are dyed-in- 
the-wool Abolitionists ! ! They talk freely and 
openly on the subject,* and say that the laws of God 
are superior to the laws of man. 

■■' On Sunday I called on and conversed freely with 
them. They are quite conversant, and one of them 
is studying for the pulpit as I am informed. 

They have prayer night and morning, and one gen- 
erally gives a short discourse on the Bible. I never 
have, in the whole course of my life, seen such de- 
luded creatures! They say that they are fully re- 
signed to their fate — that God will protect and defend 

* See Chapter III, July 18. 



THE MISSOURIAJj's LETTER. 59 

them — that in doing what they were about to do, 
they were endeavoring to set free a portion of God's 
creatures, who were in bondage contrary to his will." 

Speaking of Dr. Nelson, he says, 

^'But would you think he had the impudence to 
make an appointment at Philadelphia, a small place 
near Marion College, to preach, on last Sunday. News 
of this fact was brought to town (Palmyra) in the 
early part of the week, when two or three large com- 
panies were formed in different parts of the county, to 
go and take him out of the pulpit; but I am happy to 
say he left the county on Saturday, for had he re- 
mained and attempted to preach, he would have 

BEEN HUNG AS HIGH AS HaMAn! 

"A large company, however, went to the College 
to make an examination, but as I said, he left the 
day before. In justice to Marion College, allow me 
to say, that it is in no way connected with these 
vile fiends. 

" We are opposed to mob law in Marion, but there 
is a point beyond which lenity ceases to be a vir- 
tue. We are determined not to be harassed by this 
monster in human shape. We do not want to see 
one of our old and valued citizens stabbed and nearly 
murdered as Dr. Boslcy was, a few years since, and 
that on Sunday, by the same gang, and that too under 
the guise of religion. Respectfully yours, 

"P. L. C." 

Can it be possible that the slaveholder's religion 
is the same as ours? "I tell you nay" — as far from 
it as light is from darkness. Who is the man that is 
most abominated in a slave state? Why, he who 
dares to live by the Bible, and act out its holy princi- 
ples. '"Well, do not slaveholders go by the Bible?" 
No; by the Bible! — wo,no! Themselves being judges, 
the laws of their States are far superior to all the 
laws of God. Who is called a "monster," "fiend," 
&c.? Why he who "let the oppressed go free," and 



60 THE DR. BOSLEY AFFRAY. 

then called on his neighbors to do the same! He 
who would rebuke their abominations — pointing out 
to them a " better way." Believe me, dear reader, 
for "I speak that I do know," there can not be a 
greater abomination to slave-holding Christians than 
a Bible Christian. I have not merely heard so — or 
conjectured it — or believe so — I have sec7i it — 1 have 
FELT it. O, pray that the Spirit of God will open 
their eyes. 

THE DR. BOSLEY AFFRAY. 

Dr. Bosley is said to have been "nearly murdered 
by the same gang" — or Abolitionists. The circum- 
stances, if my memory serves me, are about as fol- 
lows. Dr. Nelson was preaching in Palmyra, in 1835 
or 1836. While thus engaged, Dr. Bosley advanced 
to take him from the pulpit. William Muldrow, a 
slaveholder., but friendly to Dr. N., attempted to hin- 
der him, at which Bosley drew his pistol on Mul- 
drow, and Muldrow drew his dirk and stabbed Bosley. 

EXTRACT FROM JAMEs"* LETTER. 

"■One of our counsel told us it would be a viola- 
tion of the laws of Missouri, to read either the Dec- 
laration of Independence or the Bible, to a slave! 
How plainly their laws are at war with God! I 
have thought that slaveholders will soon have to 
commence a law-suit against Jehovah, to see whe- 
ther his or their laws shall stand. But the contest 
would be unequal — the Almighty will overturn their 
system of iniquity. 

"•It may be a satisfaction to you to know our in- 
dividual feelings, in regard to the step that brought 
us here. I do not repent it, nor have I any doubt 
respecting the morality of the act. 

" James." 



PEACE PATIENCE. 61 

EXTRACT FROM MR. WORK's LETTER. 

"I think I can see the hand of God in it. I 
now know how to feel for those who are separated 
from their families, and bought and sold like cattle 
— how to sympathize with the slave in all his afflic- 
tions, better than I ever did before. 

^'•I have often thought I would give my life and 
strength to the cause of the slave. If lie who is infi- 
nite in wisdom, sees that I can do more for the cause by 
being for years separated from my family and those 
I love, shall I murmur? JS'o; in humility I will re- 
joice, that I am accounted worthy to suffer for well- 
doing, 

''Palmyra jail is not a gloomy place. I have had 
many happy moments here, which I shall not soon 
forget. 

"When I look at myself and the dangers that sur- 
round me, I tremble — but when I look at the prom- 
ises, I find confidence and peace. Thus far I have 
found my strength sufficient for my day, and in this 
promise I will continue to trust. Though men have 
bound us with this chain, and guards are prepared 
to take our lives, if we attempt to escape, yet I feel 
that it is a kind hand that holds us here; and that 
when our great Redeemer shall have accomplished 
His purposes of mercy. He will deliver us. Be 
not anxious for us, but pray. Through the prayers 
of Christians I trust our imprisonment will be for the 
glory of God, and the speedy release of many in 
bonds. 

"We have the sympathies of the slaves, and who 
knows but the "blessing of those ready to perish" 
may come upon us? May I ever esteem it of more 
value than the favor of the oppressor. 

"Work." 



62 SUMMARY OF FEELINGS. 

TRIAL IN PROSPECT, 

Palmyra Jail, Sept. 4, 184L 

■•' Not knowing what will be the issue of my trial, I 
desire to record a summary of my feelings, that it may 
be known what they are, should I suddenly be killed 
or thrust into State's Prison. 

"And 1st: I do not regret the step T took more than 
seven weeks ago; nor have I at any time been sorry for 
it, although thousands condemn and call me a thief, ras- 
cal, liar, and all that is vile and abominable — though 
many who love the Lord, and feel for the slave, and 
are my friends, disapprove of my course, yet I cannot 
see wherein 1 acted contrary to my master's direction 
or the spirit of the Gospel. My conscience appro- 
bates my course. 

"•That helping the poor is n'^Ai, I have no doubt; 
and although the slaveholders may plead it is taking 
their property., I feel, and am bold to aflirm that there 
is no such thing as their having property in man. It is 
all a sham. The slaves, by the law of God, own them- 
selves, and if we can relieve them in any proper way, 
we are bound, by the laws of our king — by the bonds 
of humanity — by the feelings of mercy — by the spirit 
of the blessed gospel — to do it. The reproaches, in- 
sults, and menaces that have been heaped upon me — 
the close confinement, dragging the heavy chain, and 
being denied the many privileges which even their 
own law allows, have not in the least altered my prin- 
ciples concerning the rights of the slave, but on the 
other hand, have much strengthened them. 

"•"•I have not felt sorry that I have had to lie here so 
long. I have blessed the Lord, and will continue to 
bless Him for placing me here. As long as I Uve, I 
expect to praise Him for it, and trust all my friends 
will have occasion to do the same. 



SUMMARY OF FEELINGS. 63 

"•'At the time I was taken I felt a little troubled 
for a moment — so sudden was the transaction — but 
my mind soon became composed; I lifted up my heart 
to God, committed myself to his care, and said, 
"•Father, glorify thy name." Then, as ever since, I 
felt assured that He would overrule it for his own 
glory, that He had kind and wise designs in permit- 
ting it, and that "all things shall work together for 
good," to those that love Him. I have all along de- 
sired that his name may be glorified and the greatest 
good accomplished, and felt the assurance that this 
would be the case. I felt, and still feel, a peace 
within, a comfort, and a satisfaction, in leaving all 
in his hands. 'Tis 

" Sweet to lie passive in His hands, 
And know no will but His." 

There have been times, since I have been here, 
that have tried my faith, and I have been almost 
ready to despond; but betaking myself to the prom- 
ises, and the weapon, '•'all prayer," I have been 
strengthened and and encouraged, and v/ould look up 
and say, "My Lord and my God." The days I have 
spent within these walls, have been happy, memora- 
ble, and profitable days. Time has passed sweetly 
and pleasantly away. The glorious Redeemer smiles 
upon and communes with us. He has spread before 
us the rich tables of his grace, and on their loaded 
bounties we have feasted. I now feel a confidence 
and joy in committing my whole cause into his hands, 
that He may plead it, and order all things according 
to his will, knowing that it will be best for me, for my 
friends, and for the world. Can I not rejoice? 

"•It would be very pleasant to be restored to dear 
friends, and with them again enjoy the privileges of 
the sanctuary, of prayer and praise; but if this is not 
my Savior's will, I hope I may not be left to desire 
it, nor feel dejected, though long deprived of it. 



64 THE COMMAND. 

It has long been my prayer that God would do with 
me just as He saw best, I have expressed a willing- 
ness to labor in any part of the vineyard where He 
shall direct. If He has work for me in a State's prison 
why should I not be willing to perform it, and rejoice 
to run at his command? I do, yes, and I will " rejoice 
in the Lord and joy in the rock of my salvation." 
This I know, that wherever my Master sends me. He 
will be with me to counsel, support, and grant all need- 
ed grace; and " no good thing shall I want." He 
will be more to me than father or mother, brother or 
sister — more than any or all earthly friends. He will 
also be more to them than I could possibly be myself 
I joyfully commit them to his will. The fury of my en- 
emies will not be in vain. Truth will be elicited — 
light will go forth — interest will be excited for the 
slave — and the great cause of liberty advanced. If 
this be the case, then what are years of toil and ex- 
clusion from the world and from Christian society? I 
go CHEERFULLY — I go GLADLY. Pray for mc daily — 
that I may "• be strong in the Lord" — exhibit his spir- 
it in all circumstances, and be useful to others. 
Your'sinthe gospel, 

George Thompson." 



CHAPTER VI. 

JOUR^AL. 
THE COMMAND. 



Aug. 2S. '^ Remember them in bonds as bound 
with them." — Heb. xiii: 3. 

Those who have never been bound can better sym- 
pathize with those who are by imagining themselves 



THE SEARCH. 65 

ifi the same condition. They will then yc^/ for them. 
We here can, in a small degree, "• remember them in 
bonds as bound with them,"yrom experience. 

1st. We know how the chain yec/5. 

2nd. We know what it is to be at the will of anoth- 
er; to do as others say; receive what they see fit to 
^ive: eat and drink what theirwill supplies, and await 
their pleasure. 

3rd. We understand what it is to be forcibly sepa- 
rated from wife, children, parents and friends, and de- 
nied the sweetness of their society. 

4th. To live in uncertainty — not knowing to-daj 
what they will do with us to-morrow. 

5th. To be looked down upon with scorn, reproach 
and contempt by men, women and little children. 

6th. What we now suffer is for trying to benefit the 
poor, downtrodden slave. 

O, that we may feel for them more than we should 
have done had we not been placed here. I do. I be- 
lieve I shall. 

This evening a man was brought here from Water- 
loo for fighting. Said he, '■'■ If it had not been for 
whiskey I should not have come here." His head was 
bound up, having been cut in the affray. O! cruel 
avarice! that makes such deathful drink! What mul- 
titudes are slain by this monster! O! the misery! 
— beggared families — broken-hearted wives, and deso- 
iatc children! 

29. Just after breakfast a gang of seven came in, 
some with clubs, one with a great book under his arm, 
and among them the magistrate and constable. Amaze- 
ment filled our minds. What was coming, we could 
not conjecture — but soon, said one, " Where shall we 
begin?" And another, " We've come to see whether 
you have any thing with which yon can get out!" 
Then they searched every nook and corner — turning 
things upside down — rumaging the beds, trunks, 
drawer, &c. O! what perfect fools! How ridiculous! 
4 



66 SLAVE WOMEN IN PALMYRA. 

They have not had the least occasion to suspect anj 
such thing, as our desiring to get away, 

I expected they would search our papers — but as 
the Lord would have it, they did not read one — though 
they saw them in the drawer. 

They seem to know no Sabbath, except for wicked- 
ness. In the morning we were much disturbed. Ma- 
ny came to the window, with whom the others talked 
and laughed till nearly noon. It was very distressing 
to hear such nonsense and folly on this blessed day — 
but here we are confined, and all we can say seems 
of no avail. We could neither read, nor think to 
profit. Dear Lord, it is said of thee, " He preserveth 
the souls of his saints." O! look upon us surrounded 
by wickedness, and save us from its contaminating 
influence. At noon talked from Is. Iv: 2. A very 
quiet afternoon — was much benefited by the word. 
James preached, from '^ What shall I do with Jesus?" 

Whatever may come, I feel to say with the prophet 
Habakkuk, iii: 18 — "'Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, 
and joy in the God of my salvation." Ps. Ixix: 19 is 
a comfort to me. The Lord knows all my wrongs, 
and my adversaries are all before Him. He knows 
their hearts, and just how to deal with them. 

SLAVE WOMEN IN PALMYRA. 

It is a common thing here for women to chop wood, 
and frequently, have I seen them thus engaged on the 
Sabbath. (I suppose their masters were in Church.) 
A great part of the water that is used in Palmyra, is 
carried a considerable distance by slave women, on 
their heads — and many of them carry their large 
washings to and from the public spring in the same 
manner. (The town is chiefly supphcd by a fountain.) 
Thus Slavery not only robs, and oppresses, but turns 
even females into beasts of drudgery and burden. 



VISIT FROM OUR BETRAYERS. 67 

REASONS. 

To daj they were here, among many others, who 
came to see us. They looked very much ashamed, 
and seemed to regret what they did, since they have 
ascertained that we were friends, and v/ished to do 
them good. But we have not the least hard feeling 
towards them — would just as soon help them to free- 
dom as any others, though they may have voluntarily 
betrayed us, as some say. We have rather felt in- 
clined to think that it was whipped out of them, by 
their masters — yet there are some things which strong- 
ly favor the former. It is said that the one who was 
foremost in the affair, belonged to a genuine kidnap- 
per — if so, he may have feared we were like his mas- 
ter, and consequently, betrayed us. And it is a well 
known fact, that slaves in general are taught that 
abolitionists are their worst enemies. It is not there- 
fore to be wondered at, that they should be suspicious 
of them, till this idea is corrected — and this has been, 
and will be one good result of our imprisonment. The 
slaves will learn the true character of abolitionists, 
and fly to them for help from every quarter. 

Another thing, that favors the idea that they be- 
trayed us. The slaves informed us, that they got to- 
gether one night — tied the one who was leader in 
the matter, to a tree, and gave him fifty lashes! so 
incensed were they at him, lor treating in such a man- 
ner, those who loved them. 

Again, one of the very slaves who assisted in 
taking us, (and for it, received large pay from the peo- 
ple.) as soon as he learned our intentions, and that in 
Illinois were friends to help him, left his kind and 
generous master, to try and ''take care of himself!" 
1 trust he will succeed. 

But whether they did or did not, voluntarily betray 
us, it matters not to us. We are, by this event, set- 



68 FRIENDS ENEMIES RAGE. 

tied, for a time in their midst^ for which we bless the 
Lord. We will continue to seek their best good. 

Aug. 31, '-Commit thy way unto the I^ord; trust 
also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." We are at 
times much puzzled to know how to get our letters to 
our friends, and often pray that the Lord will open 
ways for us to communicate with those we love. To 
day Brn. Wm. Vandoornc, and John Brown came 
over, and contrary to all that has been before they 
were allowed to come in with our two lawyers. Bro. 
Vandoorne seemed to understand our straits, and while 
we were talking with the lawyers, &c., he, with his 
hat in his hand behind him, backed up before us, and 
before Charles, (to whom we had given most of our 
papers,) and we cast in our offerings, unobserved by 
our enemies." Does any one feel disposed to censure 
such conduct? Reader, when you shall have been 
snatched from all your dear friends, shut up in Prison, 
among enemies, and denied correspondence with those 
who are near and dear, if then you feel no desire to 
send to, and hear from them, you may censure us, 

FRIENDS ENEMIES RAGE. 

Sept. 1, Another load of friends came over — breth- 
ren and sisters. Mrs, Work came in while the rest 
were in the wagon under the grates of our window. 
We had but just passed our letters, shaken hands 
through the double grates, and spoken a (e.w words, 
when they were ordered away from the window. Ma- 
ny gathered round as if to devour them. Their wild 
stare, and unmannerly conduct was such as might be 
looked for among a company of savages. Our breth- 
ren and sisters in the street, and we fast to our huge 
chain, united in singing some of the precious " Songs 
of Zion." When we began to sing, the people in 
greater numbers gathered round, and many went away 
in a rage, cursing, and almost gnashing their teeth ! 



WHIPPING A SLWE. DJf 

O! what a spirit is that, which is so envious at the hap- 
piness of others! What a heart does it show when a 
man is filled with rage, and fury, by seeing those who 
are the objects of his spite, happy in the Lord, and 
rejoicing under reproaches'. When 1 see the fury of 
those who would devour me — the great numbers of 
great men, of all classes who are uniting against me — 
their resolutions and determinations, almost like that 
of the forty, who "-bound themselves with an oath, 
that they would neither cat nor drink till they had 
killed Paul" — when I see all these things, and hear 
their threats, and then remember that they are mag- 
nifying themselves against God, it is very comforting 
to know that He can put his " hook in their noses, and 
his bridle in their lips," (Is. xxxvii: 29,) and lead 
them where — and as He will — and cause all their rage 
to magnify his name. 

SLA-VE WHIPPED. 

Sept. 4. Last night a slave passing the Jail, was 
ordered by Esq. Wilson to slop. "Where are you 
going?" "My master sent me after the Doctor." 

^4lt is a d d lie!" faid Wilson — "Pull off your 

shirt." "leant do that," said the slave, and took 
hold of Wilson. The guards came to his help, 
and held the slave while Wilson gave him twenty 
lashesl " Now go home," said he. " I shant, I shall go 
after the Doctor," replied the slave, and ran, Wilson 
pursuing him. 

Shortly after Ambrose, (Dr. Ely's slave) came 
along. '^ Where are you going?" bawled out Wilson. 

" Its none of your business," replied A and as 

he was very large they dared not attack him. Two 
others came along, with clubs in their hands, and Esq. 
Wilson thought his safest way was to let them alone. 
O! the abominations of Slavery! How innumerable 
.are its cruelties! 



70 TRUST IN THE LoRD. 

Sept. 5. Mj faith fastens on the promises more and 
more strongly; and yet the blessing of being restored 
to liberty and friends, seems almost too good, and too 
great, to expect. I am unworthy of it, but will cast 
myself into my Saviors arms, to do with me as seem- 
eth good to Him. His word is very dear and sweet 
to day. Talked from Ps. xxvii: 1 — 5. It gave me 
comfort and peace. With the assurance that the 
"•Lord of Hosts is with us," "I will not fear" — "For 
in the time of trouble He will hide me in a pavilion, 
and set me on a Rock." 

The "•' Book of Martyrs," has afforded me much 
comfort and strength in prospect of suffering. As we 
were singing, a Palmyra lady passed by. " Hark," 
said she, " the rebels are singing." The Lord open 
her eyes, and have mercy. The Sun is about to leave 
us. Farewell, ""King of day." Shall I greet you 
again, on a sabbath, in Missouri? I shall see you 
where it is best. Amen. 

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THE CHURCH JUST 
BEFORE THE TRIAL. 

"Dear brethren and sisters, I still ask you to re- 
member us at, the "-throne of grace." Don't put 
any trust in man. There is no hope in an arm of 
flesh. There are many who have risen up against 
us, and who arc laying deep their plans, in certain 
expectation of our condemnation. They will spare 
no money, nor efforts to accomplish their end. 

But "with us is the Lord our God." Don't think 
our lawyers can help us, unless God be on our side. 
Think of Hezekiah and Sennacherib — of Paul and 
Silas, and of Peter. Read the accounts, and look 
only to the Lord. Let there be much fervent prayer 
while the trial is advancing. Pray that Jesus our 
great " counsellor" will direct the whole. 



PREPARATION FOR TRIAL. 



7* 



Of some of those who shall come as witnesses, it 
may be required to testify to our former character. 
Esq. Glover thinks if that is established, it will be 
sufficient, and no more will be required. We wish 
W. J. C, to recollect very particularly the conversa- 
tion between him and James and the two slaves, to 
show that the slaves wished to go — that there was no 
intention of taking them against their will. Wjight 
and Glover think this very important. We shall want 
those to whom James related the facts, and conver- 
sation, and his intentions — who knew our feelings 
and motives, as they have heard us express them, 
to testify to our motive — that it was to set them across 
the river, according to their own desire, and not 
against their wills, nor to make gain of them. Per- 
haps testimony may be required as to the time we 
had been in Missouri. May the Savior direct you all. 
Come filled with the Spirit, and relying on God. 

George." 
I will here remark, that many came over prepared 
to testify on all these points, but for reasons which 
will hereafter appear, not one was examined — our 
lawyers all considering it perfectly unnecessary. The 
particulars will be given in their order. 



TO A FRIEND. 



M., how would you feel to see your father, 

mother, brothers or sisters put up, and knocked off to 
the highest bidder! O, have we felt for the poor 
slave, "05 bound idth him?'''' Did Christians realize 
their condition, O, how differently would they act! 
Wherever we go, '•'• let us cry aloud." 

SALE OP HUMAN BEINGS ! JOURNAL. 

Sept. 6. " I know not in what words to express my 
feelings — my mind is filled with mingled emotions of 



72 SALE OP HUMAN BEINGS. 

amazement, indignation, pity and horror. At noon, 
eight or ten horses were sold, at sheriff's sale, and 
then a woman and her child, for four hundred and six- 
ty-five dollars — lastly, a man for five hundred and sev- 
enty-one dollars! Of such things I have often heard^ 
but never before saw them. Oh! the scene! 

A crowd gathered round, and these immortal beings 
— bound to eternity, bought with the sweat, groans, 
blood and death of Jesus Christ — destined to heaven 
or hell — bearing the impress of their Maker's hand — 
possessing feelings, emotions, and affections like our- 
selves, and the consciousness that they were born with 
the '•'inalienable rights of hfe, liberty, and the pursuit 
of happiness" — these were set up, cried, and knocked 
off under the hammer, to the highest bidder, for gold, 
and silver! 

Am I among human beings? Am I in a civihzed 
country? Can it be that I am among those who pro- 
fess to be the servants of the blessed Redeemer, that 
meek and lowly Lamb ! Am I in a community where 
the Bible is read, and its principles professed? O, 
what is man! Where are his feelings of propriety, of 
mercy, of reason, of justice, of humanity? What do 
they think their fellow-men are? Have they any 
thought of an eternity — ofa judgment — of a righteous, 
holy and just God? Do they expect to meet these pro- 
ceedings at his bar? There, do they expect to see the 
poor slaves, they thus buy and sell, and be charged by 
the Judge, with buying, selling and abusing Him, in 
the person of his children? What can they think? 
What have their hearts become? And what will be- 
come of them? Is there a heaven for them? 

Poor slaves! what must be their cogitations, while 
being thus bid off? And what must be the state ofa 
community — how distorted, how sunken in vice, and cor- 
ruption and wickedness — how far gone, and almost 
past recovery — how ripe for the judgments of heaven 
and how deserving to be cast into the darkness of deep 



THE MISSOURIAN S LETTER AGAIN. 



73 



oblivion and eternal night, that can allow, practice, 
and justify such awful abominations by law .and by 
the Bible! and who imprison and kill those who op- 
pose their iniquity!! 

And yet what are northern, compared with southern 
slave states? O, my country, my country! Is there 
any mercy for it? How is God insulted, and cast 
away, (so to speak,) when men are looked upon, and 
treated as the brutes! And yet multitudes who pro- 
fess to be Christians, yea, the ministers of the gospel ! 
are engaged in this hellish system of barbarity — and 
worse than heathenish cruelty, and heaven-daring, in- 
sulting abomination! Oh! heaven spare. 

Are they followers of Christ ? Are they on the road 
to the Celestial City? And arc the upper regions to 
ring with songs from such beings? But I forbear. 
*•' Oh that they were wise, that they would consider 
their latter end," and these things also in view of it. 
May God have mercy on them, open their eyes, melt 
their hearts, and cause them to repent. May 1 have 
right feelings towards them. I can pray for them." 

THE MISSOURIAN's LETTER, AGAIN PRISON REFLEC- 
TIONS. 

Sept. 6. Read the letter, written by P. C. Lambert 
— and a strange one it is to be written by a professor 
of religion. Dr. Nelson that meekest of men — rvery 
harmless, and who would not injure a fellow mortal 
for a world — whose whole soul is filled with love to 
God and man — who thinks of nought but heaven, and 
doing good to a lost world — he is called a " monster 
in human shape .'" 

Does P. C. L,, expect to sing in heaven? Let him 
know that this '•'• monster'''' will be there, ( he is al- 
ready there before him.) Abolitionists whose hearts 
burn with love to their fellow-men — who are trying to 
benefit, help, and comfort the poor, and who rebuke 



74 PRISON REFLECTIONS. 

the iniquities of Slavery, — they are called '-'-vile 
fiends.'''' If such be '•'•fiends," God increase the num- 
ber, and fill the earth with them. This man, no doubt, 
anticipates a seat in the mansions on high. Yet how 
■will he feel, and all others like him, when they see 
*'• a multitude that no man can number" of these " vile 
fiends," coming up before the throne, and striking 
their harps to the praise of the Lamb? They will 
surely be there, and can such men as P. C. L., be hap- 
py in their presence? Will <heir notes of praise at all 
harmonize? But there is no discord there. Can they 
sing the same song? There is only one there. Then 
what will they do? Will a portion of the upper re- 
gion be set apart for them? Will they be colonized? 
Ah! no. There is no place in heaven for those who 
cannot love all 3ien. I fear many will find their 
heaven to be /ie//. O! the church! Lord purge it. 

Of us he says, ""I never saw such poor deluded crea- 
tures." Deluded? Bless God for such a delusion! 
O! that it may rapidly spread, till all the church shall 
be under its influence. Happy delusion! 

Oh! how Slavery blinds men's eyes and minds! 
They can see nothing good or lovely in a person or 
plan, that does not uphold their " Domestic Institu- 
tions." The more faithful a man is to them, the more 
he is despised and persecuted! And should the glori- 
ous Redeemer again appear, and pass through the 
slave dominions, doubtless he would be looked upon 
as the greatest "-fanatic" — "insurrectionist," and "mon- 
ster in human shape" that ever trod God's footstool — 
would be despised, hated, and ^^hung as high as Ha- 
man," without '■'Judge or Jury," by those who "wor- 
ship the great goddess," and fear lest " the hope of 
their gains" should be taken away! Shall I then 
repine, and think it hard that I must He here so long? 
No, ?io.' I bless the Lord for this chain. It looks 
sweet to me. I shall never forget it." 



A DIFFICULT CASE ON HAND. iO 

COURT. 

On the 6th of Sept., court commenced, but our case 
did not come on till the 10th. There were three 
reasons for its delay. First, It took some time for 
the Sheriff to hunt up men for Jurors. Second, Con- 
fident of the weakness and injustice of their cause, 
they had sent to St. Louis, for one Crockett, who was 
paid a large sum, by the voluntary contribution of in- 
dividuals — and our trial must be delayed till he arri- 
ved. But the third, and perhaps most prominent rea- 
son was they could not, for a long time, find any indict- 
ment against us, for it had become universally ac- 
knowledged, by friends and foes, that we had broken 
NO LAW of Missouri! And what to do they knew 
rot. To send us to the Penitentiary they were deter- 
mined, but the hozv puzzled them for a time. Said 
the States' Attorney, to a brother lawyer, " I wish you 
would help me a little. I have a difficult case on hand. 
1 can find no law on which to predicate an indict- 
ment against these men, and yet an inditement must 
be made out, in some way!" Yes, but none but the 
distorted mind of the slaveholder could have devised 
the plan. For how is it possible to indict a man who is 
obedient to the law? And, ""Where no law is, there 
is no transgression" — divine authority for it. 

Said a lawyer to Esq. Glover, after he had made his 
pica for us, and was retiring from the court-house — 
" Well G., you have made it perfectly clear, that these 
men, have transgressed no law of the State." 

Said Wright in his speech — " If we have no law to 
inflict punishment upon these men — if we have over- 
looked this point in our legislations, let justice take its 
course — release them and send men to Jefferson who 
will enact a law^ and thus guard against all future dep- 
j redations of the kind. At Jefferson only, can this de- 
j feet be supplied." 



76 ADDRESS TO SLAVEHOLDERS. 

To our trial many of our friends from Quincy and 
vicinity came, with whom we had frequent interviews 
through the grates, while waiting from day to day for 
our case to come on. Those who could not come, 
wrote, assuring us of their sympathy and prayers. 

THE ABOLITION STAND. 

While waiting in daily expectation of our trial, I 
wrote the following on the bottom of the drawer to 
our stand with my pencil, that after we had gone it 
might act as an Anti-Slavery lecturer where the living 
voice would not be heard, 

ADDRESS. 

''Woe to them who decree unrighteous decrees, 
(such as slave laws,) and establish iniquity by law," 
(such as buying and selling men — parting wives and 
husbands, parents and children — causing men to work 
witliout wages, the hire of whom crieth unto the Lord 
for vengeance.) Let every one engaged in this sys- 
tem of hellish iniquity be afraid and tremble, for the 
judgments of heaven hang over their guilty heads, 
and will quickly fall upon them unless they repent. 

O! man, -'flee from the wrath to come." "Escape 
for your life." Ruin is nigh. " What thou doest, do 
quickly;" — for unless you humble yourself before the 
eternal God there is no heaven for you, but an awful, 
eternal hell. 

The slaves are God's poor. All their sufferings are 
noticed by Him — every stroke of the whip is record- 
ed — every groan counted — and every tear bottled up 
by their Maker, to be brought up against you at the 
solemn judgment. How will you answer? What 
will you say for yourself? You will be speechless. 

I pity the fate of a slave-holder. If there is a low 
place in hell, an enlightened slave-holder will occupy 
that place. He will be cursed by men and devils. 



TREATMENT OP FRIENDS. 77 

I pity the children of slave-holders. They are train- 
ed up for oppressors, upon whom God will pour the 
" blackness of darkness" forever and ever. 

I pity a patrol. This office is cruel, low, mean and 
heart-hardening. 

Dear stand, — You have been very kind to us in our 
confinement. For your valuable services we are very 
thankful. As we are now about to leave you, we bid 
you farewell, and send you into the world a single- 
handed abolitionist, to preach deliverance to the cap- 
tive, to rebuke men for their sins, and warn them of 
their danger. Cry aloud to high and low, rich and 
poor — spare not. May you do much good and be 
protected. We commend you to the mercy of the 
people. May many of the oppressed be delivered by 
your means. 

I pray some eye may fall upon it, and that good may 
result by the blessing of the Lord. '' How great a 
matter a little fire kindleth." 

TREATMENT OF OUR FRIENDS. 

Though many of our friends were present in Palmyra 
for nearly a week, yet, by the "• good hand of God 
upon them," no one was injured. And wonderful, 
as it may seem, the large body of " dyed in the 
wool," aboKlionists were generously entertained by 
the citizens. Mr. Muldrow keeper of the Temper- 
ance house, invited Mrs. Work, and other ladies to 
make his house their home during the trial. Mr. Wil- 
cox, a tavern keeper, gave the use of a house, and 
fuel, to all who desired to occupy it. I rejoice that 
I am able to speak some good of those who desire our 
destruction. One of our witnesses, whose testimony 
was deemed very important, was pursued by a com- 
pany, and very narrowly escaped with his liberty, at 
the risk of his life. By some means, (Perhaps by 



78 THE CLOSET MOTHER. 

some Illinois traitor) it was ascertained that he was 
with James at the time the agreement was made to 
meet and help the slaves. They had determined to 
take him, and send him to Jefferson with us, (merely 
for speaking to a slave !) Their plan being known, 
by one who felt friendly, he was advised to stand on 
Illinois soil as soon as possible. He fled, and barely 
saved himself. 

On the night of the 9th, the rabble made considera- 
ble disturbance — collected a company of "certain 
lewd fellows of the baser sort," and marched round 
through the town singing, huzzaing, and deriding our 
friends, till the Lord came upon them and smote one 
of their number, making him groan and cry aloud, and 
thus they were dispersed. How easy for God to smite 
them all! They made their boasts that if we were 
cleared, we would get a great flogging, before we 
could get out of town. How vain their threats ! " The 
Lord is on my side. I will not fear. What can mau 
do unto me? " Dear Savior, stand by me. 

THE CLOSET MOTHER, 



Said mother B., as she stood and talked with u a 
through the grates, '■'• If my John (who was dead,) 
was there, I should feel that I could do more for him, 
by staying at home in my closet, than by going into 
court to testify for him!" This is an excellent spirit,, 
it shows that she knows from whence help must come, 
and a confidence that she should not be turned empty 
away. Ah! give me such to plead my cause — those 
who go to the fountain of help. 

Some seem to think we cannot be so happy here, 
as at liberty. I know of no two months in all my 
life, to which I expect to look with so much real plea- 
sure, as to these. Sweet walls ! sweet chain ! 



EXCITEMENT. 7D 

THE SLEEPING PREACHER AGAIN, 

To-day he had a long dream about delivering the 
slaves. As he fell asleep and dreamed in the day-time, 
we had a fair opportunity to observe all his motions, 
as well as hear his words — and a more amusing sight I 
never saw. Sometimes he would be in one position, 
leveling a cannon at the enemy; then he would be 
riding on horseback, spurring and hastening with all 
speed, calling upon his troops to follow. 

Said he, v^ith great energy, "Slavery shall be done 
away, or / will die." His whole soul seems to be 

■ bent on this one thing. This is his fixed determination 
— asleep and awake. O! that every abolitionist had 
his courage and perseverance. But how kw are 

, ready to die, or even suffer' a little for the poor slave ! 
They are willing to avow themselves the friends of the 
despised, so long as they are surrounded by others 
who plead their cause; but as soon as they find them- 
selves among the enemies of the slave, they are still, 

j and afraid. 

[ Said Charles, (in his dream,) " If no one wdll go 
with me, FU go alone, in the strength of God, and 
shall prevail. The slave shall be freeP May all 
have this spirit as respects spiritual weapons, and go 
forward — single handed if necessary — determined 
never to cease crying aloud, and using all their en- 
deavors, till every chain is broken, or life is extinct. 
O Lord! gird up thy people for the work. Prepare 
me to go forth, and labor successfully for the down- 
trodden. 

EXCITEMENT. 



During the two months we lay in jail, previous to 
trial, our fame had spread far abroad — and the far- 
ther it extended, the more exaggerated and false the 
statement became; so that great excitement prevailed 
over the country. The prejudices of the people were 



8& 



THE TRIAL. 



aroused against us, and great indignation was manifest 
(in almost all countenances. When court time came, 
multitudes assembled from far and near. The old and 
joung, black and white, rich and poor, all seemed 
enlisted — here a company and there a group — some 
staggering like a drunken man, others cursing and 
mocking. Some seemed very anxious to get into the 
jail, where they could lay hands on us; but God re- 
strained them. They evidently waited from day to 
day, with much impatience, to see us brought forth, 
eager to get a view of such notorious disturbers of 
thf'ir peace. 

It would be a great wonder, if, in the midst of 
such a furious gang of wolves, a few feeble lambs 
(our friends) were not destroyed, if we did not call to 
mind the promises. From these, we should have 
expected just such a wonderful deliverance. 



CHAPTER VII. 

TRIAL AND CONVICTION. 

On the day previous to our being brought forth, 
our Attorneys, Warren, and Glover, came into the 
J.nil, and read to us our indictments. And I almost 
regret I liav(i not a copy of them, for the reader — 
but it is best I should not have. They were strange 
things indeed, and would show very clearly, to wha 
extremities Slavery was driven, when obliged tore, 
sort to such measures for its support. The principle.- 
by wlii<-h thry were governed, seemed to be, "If we 
have not rii^}ti, we hav*; mi^hl on our side, and go t^ .. 
fli(r Pcnilenliarj they v/tr;//." In my journal, rcspectl k., 
ing it, 1 recorded,—" What the result will be, 1 cannol jjj 



SHACKLES OFF. 81 

tcll, but it does appear as if, in making out their in- 
dictments, thej lacked common sense. I can say 
with Paul, 'Neither can they prove the things whcre- 
6f they now accuse us;' unless they suborn witnesses, 
(which a number did,) and then I am sure they will 
have the worst of it." 

There were three indictments. The first took the 
broad ground, and charged us with stealing, four or 
five negroes — being utterly false in many of its cir- 
cumstantial statements. The second charged us with 
an attempt to steal them. The third, with having 
formed a combination, intending to make an attempt 
to steal them — both of the latter, as false, and ridicu- 
lous in their statements, as the former. 

At first, our counsel thought of trying me, alone, 
on the latter indictment, as this was the lightest, and 
I was only an accessory in them all — but finally con- 
cluded there would be no manner of danger in taking 
us all together, on the first, feeling confident that jus- 
tice could do nothing with us. We consented to be 
thus tried. 

"May our faith be greatly increased, and continue 
to increase, as we advance through the fiery ordeal. 
May we have His spirit, ''who, when lie was reviled, 
reviled not again — when He suffered. He threatened 
not, hut committed Himself to Him who judgeth right- 
eously." 

SHACKLES OFF. 

Sept. 10. ^oon. Truly they are many who are gath- 
ered together against us, to destroy us. What are 
zcp, that we should attract so much notice! A little 
before twelve o'clock, they came, and knocked off our 
fetters, with hammer, and chisel. We were then led 
out to the gaze of hundreds, who, no doubt, expected 
to see something very wonderful. They were a sight 
indeed! Such running, and crowding, and stretching, 
5 



I 



82 WITNESSES. 

and climbing — such eyes, and mouths, and express- 
ions of wonder and amazement, we had not before 
seen! O! what madness! What folly! What meaa- 
ness! They seemed almost ready to devour us. 

Thus surrounded, we walked to the court house, 
each accompanied by a guard. In a few minutes, 
court adjourned, and we returned to our palace, safe, 
and sound. This is the first time, for more than fifty 
eight days, that I have taken a natural step. I feel 
like a bird out of its cage, now that we can walk 
about our room with freedom. 

Evening. Have been before the court — house 
crowded — windows, doors, stairs, «fec., all full, while 
many could not find a place. After a long time, the 
Jury was chosen. — all of whom, with one exception, 
had made up their minds from previous report, and 
under oath, confessed themselves prejudiced against us 
— but thought '•'they could decide according to justice, ,. 
which was, in their view, the Penitentiary.'^ 8uch, 
reader, was the impartial jury., before whom we were 
tried I 

WITNESSES. 

Against us, were three or four witnesses sworn — 
and for us, about six. As Esq. B., an old man, whose 
head blossomed in white, came forward to be sworn 
in our behalf, one of the rabble behind us, exclaimed, 
''■there goes the daddy of all." But though so many 
of our witnesses were sworn, when the testimony, and 
confessions of those against us were heard, it was , 
deemed wholly unnecessary to occupy more time in i,i 
the examination of our witnesses; as the testimony 
of our enemies was considered abundantly sufficient 
to clear us from the indictment. 

In their first testimony, many things were sta- 
ted, positively false, and which, the witnesses must 
have knotvn to be so. For example, Wm. P. Brown | 



EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. 8^ 

testified that " he heard Work and Burr tell the 
slaves that they had sent off four negroes about four 
weeks ago — that they had sent off a good many ne- 
groes, who were all doing well," &c. The Devi! 
could not have told a more absolute falsehood. Noth- 
ing of the kind was ever uttered by them. Two 
weeks previous to our arrest, we had helped one on 
his way, and that was all. Again, Brown said, when 
he presented his gun, Burr sprung, and said '•'■Lord 
God !" and appeared to be near fifteen feet high ! Burr 
made no such expression. The '•'•fifteen fcef is a sufii- 
cient comment on this testimony. 

Again, he swore, that when '•' he came to the bank, 
I was paddling." I had my fishing pole in my hand, 
and was standing in my skiff, just ready to draw my 
captive from the watery element, when he approach- 
ed, and threatened to shoot me. Again, he swore "it 
was dark, .there being a fog., so that he could not see 
a man, at any distance." The fact is, it was a very 
bright night, and the moon was shedding her silvery 
rays most beautifully upon the earth. And many 
other statements, which I will not mention, were just 
as false — statements respecting what we said — what 
slaves said, ifec. When cross examined, by our coun- 
sel, he said, '^I told Paris, Allen, and Prince, (slaves,) 
that there were some men from Illinois, who wished 
to assist them in getting their freedom, and that if 
they wished to go, they had my permission to go with 
them! They said, they did not wish their freedom. 
I told them to go with Anthony, (a slave) — and where 
he was going — and that if they saw any man who 
wished to aid them in getting their freedom, that they 
had my permission to go with them! That 1 would 
meet them before they i£Ot to the River. I did not 
direct Anthony to go, but I knczu he was going, I did 
not knov/ that John went, but John was present, 
when he told all his boys, that they might go, if they 
desired. We gave the negroes, five dollars apiece, for 



81 EXAMINATION OF WITNESSES. 

their conduct, and some more money was made up 
for them in Palmyra afterwards. I gave these direc- 
tions, to my negroes, at my home, in the yard, before 
they went. I told them to go where Anthony had 
appointed to meet them — the prisoners — at the river. 
I told Allen to go, and get hold of the skiff, and hold 
it. I also stated to Wiseman, the directions I had 
given to my negroes. I don't know that the prisoners 
had ever seen the negroes before, nor do I know that 
any agreement had been mnde to meet the negroes. 
I never had any communication, directly or indirectly, 
with the prisoners, prior to the time 1 took them. 
I had no control over Woolfolk's negro. Woolfolk 
was not at home. I do not know that John heard 
me, when I said that as many as wished to go had 
imy permission, but he was present in the yard and 
.heard me." 

Reader, what think you of sending men to Peniten- 
tiary for twelve years on such testimony? It needs 
no comment. 

Mr. Quinn was examined. Among other things he 
stated that he saw Burr two weeks before our arrest, 
in Boulman's field, where he was at work. When he 
left, he did not go in the precise direction given to 
him, he did not go in any road.''^ Cross examined. He 
said, " Burr did not speak to the negroes, and there 
was no rocid^ to go in the direction my uncle gave him. 
He was in the Jield, and there was no road!'''' 

Reader, you may consider this as a specimen of the 
circumstantial evidence brought against us. Look at 
it. Because, perchance. Burr did not go in the pre- 
cise course he was directed; because, in a field where 
there was no road, he varied a little to the south, what 
is the conclusion? Why, that he wanted to steal the 
slaves ! 

Another thing;. When the witnesses were cross- 
examined, our counsel were particular to enquire 
from whence they derived their information; (on man/ 



THE PLEADING. 



points.) They were obliged to confess, ^'•from the 
slaves !^^ By the laws of Missouri, a black man's tes- 
timony against a white man, is of no avail, and yet 
here, they were lugging in testimony after testimony, 
as if they saw or heard the things themselves, when, 
*'lo! My negroes told me," so and so. 

Crockett, the St. Louis lawyer, saw that the most of 
the testimony of the witnesses was likely to be shown 
to be but the mere say-so of the negroes, and he re- 
monstrated strongly against our counsel asking such 
questions. 

Mr. Boulman, an old man, tottering on the brink of 
the grave, was examined, but what he said, merely 
made sport, and a roar of laughter in the assembly — 
and I deem it not necessary to fill my pages with tri- 
fling nonsense. For want of room, I am obliged to 
omit much, I otherwise should desire to lay before 
the public. 

Sept. 11. Last night as we were talking together, 
one above cried out, ''Shut your mouths there below, 
and go to sleep." They had been playing cards and 
carousing, so that we could scarcely sleep at all, and 
then because we could not sleep on account of their 
noise, and were passing the time in conversation, 
their hearts are so filled with spite and envy, that 
they grudged us even that happiness. O, what a 
spirit. But such, worketh slavery. 



THE PLEADING. 



The State's Attorney, [Abernethy,] made a short 
speech, venting out his hatred to abolitionists — class- 
ed them with mormons, yea, with the notorious land- 
pirates, John A. Murrell's gang, holding us up as ter- 
rible creatures, and making appeals, to excite the 
prejudice and hatred of the multitude, who were al- 
ready so charged therewith, that they could scarcely 
contain themselves. 



86 



SPEECHES OF GLOVER AND ANDERSON. 



In his speech he compared the slaves to sheep, and 
liberty to salt; — said that enticing away the slave by 
spreading the offer of liberty before him, was just as 
really larceny as toling away a man's flock of sheep by 
salt. 

Glover followed him with a clear, forcible, and argu- 
mentative speech, showing by various illustrations that 
what we did could not, in any sense of the word, be 
called larceny. His illustrations and references I can- 
not call to mind. He made some thrilling appeals to 
the jury with regard to the importance of justice — 
beautifully introduced the case of Aristides — referred 
to the house in which we were assembled as being call- 
ed a house of justice, &c., — acknowledged that the 
rights of the people had been invaded — but there was 
110 law forbidding it, and consequently they must pa- 
tiently and nobly bear the w rong, till legal steps could 
be taken to prevent such things. 

Journal. — "Glover followed, making the case very 
plain; but their hearts are so filled with deep-rooted 
prejudices, and their minds so blinded to every thing 
that does not uphold slavery, it may, be the jury will 
see no force to his reasoning — while an absurdity maj 
appear an unanswerable argument! O! Jesus, strength- 
en my heart." 

Anderson followed Glover. He volunteered his ser- 
vices, and talked very wickedly. His whole speech 
was merely a wild, boisterous harangue against Aboli- 
tionism and Mormonism, (classing us with the Mor- 
mons,) appealing with great spirit to the malice and 
prejudice of the jury and crowded assembly present, 
that he might make our punishment more sure. He 
fought hard against God, against his truth, his poor 
and his ' little ones' — against righteousness and all rea- 
son, mercy, justice and humanity. It distressed my 
soul exceedingly to hear a professor of religion (I was 
informed he was such,) talk thus; and I could, at the 
time, but raise my heart to God m his behalf. O ! that 



SPEECHES OF WARREN AND WRIGHT. 



87 



his eyes may be opened. Once (as I am informed) 
he professed to be a warm friend of Dr. Nelson and 
of the poor slave — but he has laid aside such feelings, 
and, as his own slave testifies, is now worse than ever 
— more oppressive to the slaves, and more bitter 
against those who plead their cause. He plead strong- 
ly for slavery — made exciting appeals, and seemed to 
desire ardently our long imprisonment. 

Shall we meet him in heaven? IIow will he look up- 
on us and sing with us there? Unless his feelings 
change from those expressed, he could not be happy 
with us. The Lord will make it all right." 

Alanson and myself wrote him a very plain letter, 
which he published, to increase the prejudice against 
us, and augment our suffering, 

Warren next made a lucid speech — showing clear- 
ly, by a variety of familiar illustrations, that what we 
did, could not be called larceny. He was an Illinoisan, 
and much prejudice prevailed against him in Palmyra, 
many supposing him to be an abolitionist. Yet he 
plead boldly. That his arguments might have more 
force, or to secure his own safety, he told them — ''I 
have never yet passed for an abolitionist on either 
side of the river." 

Whether he was an abolitionist, I cannot say — but 
this much I can say for him — he and Moses Hunter 
were the first of our friends whom we saw after our 
confinement. They both prayed with us in the jail; 
and there, in the presence of the jailer, guard, ifcc, 
he prayed for the '-' oppressed" as not one half of the 
abolitionists would dare to. 

Wright followed, making the closing speech in our 
behalf. He was quite lengthy but not tedious. He 
took up the statute, and, from standard authors, (so re- 
ceived on all other points even in slave states,) demon- 
strated to every unprejudiced mind, that, upon no pos- 
sible principle of legal interpretation, could our con- 



88 NO LAW FOR THE CASE. 

duct be called larceny — that there was no law whatev- 
er in Missouri touching our case. 

He took up the facts, and showed that we had no in- 
tention to convert said property to our own use — had 
no self-interest in the matter, but desired only the ben- 
efit of the slave. In every point of view, from legal 
rules, legal principles and examples, he, in numerous 
ways brought out the same truth. 

Said he — "I appear before you as a friend to our in- 
stitutions — as a citizen of the State, and as a slave- 
holder, but also a defender of justice. I believe those 
men were honest in their intentions, and really desired 
10 benefit the slave. I have no doubt that they think 
themselves persecuted, and, should they go to the pen- 
itentiary, will feel that they are martyrs, and that their 
crown will shine brighter, and their song rise higher 
on account of what they now suffer. I despise an ab- 
olitionist, and their conduct too, but I plead that there 
is 710 larv to hit the case, and therefore they should not 
be punished. Our only way is to send men to Jeffer- 
son who shall make provision for the future.* Let jus- 
tice take its course,"'&c. lie plead nobly, though he 
was a slave-holder. None but those who were deter- 
mined not to see could help seeing the truth, as thus 
spread before them in meridian brightness. He 

* The following law was passed and approved by the Governor 
more than three years after we were confined in the Penitentiaryl 

" If any person shall forge for any slave a free pass, or place in the 
possession of any slave any paper or thing whatever, by which such 
slave may the more readily escape from hia master, — and any persoa 
■who may abduct or entice, or attevipt to abduct or entice any slave 
away from his master, such person shall, for every such offence, be 
subject to an indictment in any court in the State having criminal ju- 
risdiction, and, on conviction thereof, shall be confined in the Peniten- 
tiary of the State for a term of years not less than five nor more thaa 
ten." — Section vii. 

Reader, the above is a true copy from the State Records, signed by 
the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Secretary and 
Governor of the State of Missouri, March 27, 1845. And we were 
locked in the Penitentiary, Oct, 3,1841. Judge whether we war* 
transgressors of their laws. 



THl! GREAT LEVER. O^^ 

showed that the slaves were so far from being in 
our possession, and under our control, that we were 
in their possession, and that they were in the posses- 
sion of their masters, acting according to their com- 
mands, and under their control — and, instead of our 
stealing them, that they stole us. 

It was now evening. After an intermission of 
half an hour, we again assembled, and Crockett 
made a display of his ingenuity in evading argument, 
blinding men's eyes, and causing "justice to fall in 
the streets." His speech pleased the rabble very 
much, but was not in accordance with the law. 

For the information of the reader, I will mention 
the great lever by which he overturned, in the minds 
of the jury, all that had been brought forward from 
standard authorities, by our counsel. From a great 
many references, they had shown what was, and what 
was 7iot larceny — and that the present case could not 
from any definition, or principle, or example, be con- 
strued into larceny. But a very easy way to get 
round all this, had Crockett, by simply saying that 
'■'- England had no slave property, consequently, all 
these examples, that have been brought forward, have 
no application to this species of property, and are 
wholly irrelevant!!!" Amazing! what a discovery! 
Where is the school-boy that does not know that Eng- 
land DID have such kind of property, when the laws 
were made? And yet, this palpable absurdity was 
swallowed by the mass, as an unanswerable argument 

His speech continued till near midnight, on Satur- 
day; we then returned to our habitation, to spend the 
Sabbath. 

JOURNAL. 

Sept. 12. "After the scenes of the past week, the 
care, anxiety, and suspense in which we have been 
held — surrounded by gazing crowds, who poured 



90 



THE SENTENCE. 



their anathemas upon us, and thirsted for our blood, 
how delightful to be again enclosed in our room from 
the multitudes! Yea, how sweet to meet another 
Sabbath, when we can draw near, and pour out our 
hearts into the bosom of our Seivior. Though we are 
yet in suspense, it is good to have this day, to study 
our bibles, and pray. The result is yet uncertain. It 
is now in the hands of the judge and jury, and they 
are in the hands of God — and I am sure He will lead 
to that decision which will most advance the cause of 
liberty and truth. Feeling this, and desiring only the 
advancement of that cause, why should one anxious 
thought possess my bosom? They say they must 
punish us, to deter others from the like, and put a stop 
to such proceedings — but how vain! Why cannot 
they see that the more they punish, the worse it will 
be for them? For they will only increase the number 
of "these vile fiends," an hundred fold! Well, if Je- 
.sus be with me, I can bear the reproaches and insults 
of man. Confinement will be liberty; the prison, a 
palace; stripes, sweet-oil; hard labor, rest; separation 
from friends, tolerable; and death, in forms frightful, 
will be glorious. 

In ourselves, in our friends, in our lawyers, in man, 
there is no help; "our help is in the name of the 
Lord." '^ Man's extremity is God's opportunity." 
\ 

SENTENCE. 

Sept. 13. Monday morning, wc again went before 
the court. After the different instructions were given 
to the judge, and he had charged the jury, that we 
were guilty, &lc. they retired a short time, and re- 
turned with a verdict of '''"guilty^ and twelve years in 
the Penitentiary.'''' Clapping of hands, and shouts of 
" good, good," filled the house. Though they had so 
strongly declared they would hang us, if we were sen- 
tenced for less than twenty years, they appeared to 



OUR GALLOWS. 



91 



be satisfied, when this sentence was pronounced. 
'•'• There," said one, " we've got clear of mobbing 
them!" 

OUR GALLOWS. 

So general was the expectation, that they could do 
nothing with us, bylaw, thatamob had been organized, 
who had erected our gallows, provided ropes, blacked 
their faces, and were ready to take us at a moment's 
notice, in case we were acquitted, and hang us on the 
spot! Reader, do you helicvc this? It cannot be 
doubted. I have abundant testimony, printed, oral, 
and optical. On this point I shall let the Missourians 
speak for themselves. 

Yes, there were twenty men, at Palmyra and Hanni- 
bal, who, in the sight of God, were (and if living, are) 
guilty of our murder! They are r^iurderers in the light 
of God^s law, and as such, they will be tried and con- 
demned at the great tribunal, unless, before that time, 
they make their peace with the Judge. We pity 
them, we pray for them — '■'' Father, forgive them, for 
they know not what they do." 

BILL OF EXCEPTIONS FROM THE COURT RECORDS. 

And this being all the evidence in the cause, the 
counsel for the prisoners, ask the court * to instruct the 
jury as follows: 

That before they can find the defendants guilty, 
they must, from the evidence in the cause, (and from 
no other source) find the following facts. 

1. That the defendants had possession of the slaves. 
And, to constitute a possession in them, of said slaves, 
the jury must, from the evidence in the cause, find that 
the defendants exercised authority to restrain the 
movements of the slaves, or (the slaves being present) 

* In this Record, the term "Court" signifies the Judge. 



92 BILL OF EXCEPTIONS. 

claimed the right of control, dominion, or authority over 
the will of said slaves. 

That if they find that the defendants were so pos- 
sessed of said slaves, the jury must also find, from the 
evidence in the cause, that at the time of becoming so 
possessed of said slaves, it was the intention of said 
defendants, to convert the property in said slaves to 
their own use. If on the contrary the jury shall find 
from the evidence in the caase, that the defendants were 
in the control of said slaves or in the power of said 
slaves, or that when the defendants and slaves met, 
and while they remained together, the defendants 
claimed no authority over said slaves, nor exercised 
any, but met the slaves on equal footing, as free men, 
they ought to find the defendants not guilty. 

They ask the court further to instruct the jury, that 
whether Anthony met the defendants, with or without 
the consent of his master, still, to constitute a taking of 
said slave, by the defendants, the said slave must have 
been in the possession of said defendants, as before ex- 
plained — and that even such possession cannot author- 
ize the jury to find defendants guilty of larceny unless 
the jury can also find from the evidence in the cause, 
that at the time defendants had the intention to con- 
vert the property in said slaves, to their own use. 
That a conversion to the use of said defendants cannot 
be made out, by merely showing that the defendants 
were willing and desirous to give aid and assistance 
to said slave or slaves in crossing the Mississippi riv- 
er, and in pursuing their journey to Canada, but that 
there must be an intention to se//, or AzVe, or retain 
said slaves for their service^ or otherwise to exercise 
acts of ownership over :^aid slaves." 

The record proceeds — "■Which instructions the 
court refused, and instructed the jury that the agree- 
ment to meet the slaves for the purpose of aiding 
them in obtaining their freedom, and their meeting un- 
der that agreement constituted a taking! To which 



INSTRUCTIONS. 93 

opinion of the court, in refusing to grant the instruc- 
tion asked by the counsel, for the prisoners, and deci- 
ding that the agreement to meet the slaves, constituted 
a taking, the defendants except. 

The attorney for the State moved the court for the 
following instructions. 

State of Missouri, against George Thompson, James 
iBurr and Alanson Work for larceny. The said State, 
by her attorney moves the court to instruct the jury: 

1. That if they believe from the evidence in this 
cause, that James Burr and Alanson AVork did steal, 
take, and carry away the slaves, as charged in the in- 
dictment, or any one of them, and George Thompson 
was in any way aiding or abetting as charged in the 
indictment, then they must find them all guilty, as 
charged in the second count of said indictment. 

2. That if they, the defendants. Burr and Work 
had the slaves, or any one of them under their con- 
trol or government, and while so, caused the said 
slaves to take one step, then the taking and carrying 
away was completed. 

3. That if the defendants fraudulently intended to 
deprive the owners of said slaves, of the property 
and labor of said slaves, and to confer the same ou 
them, (the slaves) the defendants, or any third person 
or persons, other than the said owners, that is suffi- 
cient to make the stealing, taking and carrying away, 
larfceny. That if the jury believed there icas a taking, 
it is no difference whether the taking was effected by 
physical, or moral force, if the force was sufficient to 
effect the object intended. 

5. (Erased.) 

6. That if the jury find from the evidence in this 
cause, that the defendants, James Burr and Alanson 
Work attempted to steal, take, and carry away the 
slaves, or any one of them as charged in the indict- 



94 



INDICTiMENTS. 



mcnt, * and that George Thompson aided or abetted 
in such attempt, but failed in executing said attempt, 
then they must find them, Burr and Work, guilty of 
said attempt, and George Thompson guilty as acces- 
sory before the fact of said attempt," — Which (instruc- 
tion) was given by the court. To which opinion of 
the court in giving the said instructions for the State, 
the defendants by their counsel also excepted. After 
verdict, the defendants moved in writing for a new 
trial as follows. 

' f Indictment for larce- 

VS. > r 1 

Ti Txr rr. L hv 01 slavcs. 

Burr, Work and 1ho3ipson,3 -^ 

The defendants by their counsel move the court 

for a new trial. 

1. Because the court refused proper instructions 
asked by the defendants. 

2. Because the court gave improper instructions on 
behalf of the plaintiff. ' 

3. Because the verdict is against evidence. 

4. Because it is against law. 

5. Because the punishment is excessive. 

Glover and Wright, /or dcfts.f 
Which motion the court also overruled, and the 
defendants excepted to the opinion of the court in 
overruling said motion. The defendants then moved in 
writing to arrest the judgment in the case, as follows: 
State, ^ 

vs. > Indictment. 

Burr, Work and Thompson,) 

The defendants move the court to arrest the judg- 
ment in the above cause. 

1. Because the declaration is bad. 

2. Because the judgment is for the wrong party. 

Glover and Wright, for defts. 



* This is wholly gratuitous and false, for there was no such charge 
in the indictment by which we were tried — the charge was broad steal- 
ing — the attempt to steal was a separate indictment altogether. 



NOVEL DECISION. 



95 



But the court also overruled said motion, and defen- 
dants excepted, and prayed that their several excep- 
tions to the opinions and decisions of the court as 
aforesaid, might be signed and sealed, and made part 
of the record in the cause. This is done accordingly. 
rj, ^ (P. n. McBride, Judge. 
Icste. ^^ KucKER, Clerk. 
(A copy.) 

From the foregoing, the reader will get a pretty 
good idea of the circumstances in the case, as also of 
the flagrant injustice we suffered. The exceptions 
and instructions of our counsel were contemned, and 
utterly rejected — our appeal for a new hearing refused, 
and every motion in our favor, vetoed by the judge. 

Wc remained in jail until the 17th, when we went 
out to receive our sentence from the Judge. After 
hearing it, we appealed to the Supreme Court of Mis- 
souri—and obtained a respit of two weeks, while our 
counsel could go to St. Louis, where the court was 
sitting — but the Supreme Judge utterly refused to 
have any thing to do with it, and would not allow the 
appeal. Thus our izvche years stared us fairly in the 
face; but by the grace of God we were enabled to 
meet them undaunted and unmoved. 

I^et me here remark, (what the reader must have 
observed) that it v/as evident through the whole of 
our trial and imprisonment, wc were not looked upon 
nor considered as common State felons., but as aboli- 
tionists. It was contended by no one that we intended 
to steal the slaves in the common acceptation of that 
term. Every body acknowledged us as ^'•true blue'''' 
abolitionists, who desired only the good of the slave. 



NOVEL DECISION. 



During the course of the trial, it was contended 
and decided, that a man on the East bank of the 
Mississippi river, might steal another on the West 



96 



OUR MURDERERS AGAIN. 



bank! It was not necessary that he should even see, 
or speak with the slave; if, hy any means, by moral 
suasion, letter or signs, he helps a slave to freedona, 
who had of his own accord run away from his master, 
he is guilty o{ grand larceny ! If a man in Quincey 
lets it be known that he will help slaves on their way, 
after they have crossed the river — and this information 
spreads among the slaves, so that hundreds take shel- 
ter under his roof; what is the decision of a court of jus- 
tice in Missouri? Why, that he stole them all, though 
he may never have seen one of them till they called 
at his door for help. Nay more. If he only sends 
word into Missouri to one slave, and that slave spreads 
the news to others, that in Quincey are friends who 
will help them — as many as will come — they come — 
others help them on their way — he sees or speaks to 
none of them — what is the decision in Missouri, by 
lawyers, judges and juries? Why he stole thom all! 
How? pray. ''Why he placed the salt before them!" 
'•Salt! salt! — Sheep! Sheep!" is the great hue and 
cry, for an illustration on this subject. 

Hereafter, reader you shall have more as novel de- 
cisions as this, by Missouri courts of justice. Come 
jJong patiently. 

OUR MURDERERS AGAIN. 

As this subject is in close connection with our trial, 
I will close this chapter with testimony on the point 
A man writing from Palmyra says, "There is a deter- 
mination on the part of the citizens, should they be 
cleared, in consequence of any flaw or technicality in 
the law, not to let than go unpunished. 

This, I think you may put down as a settled point — 
and I am of the opinion that it would be far better for 
the prisoners to be sent to the penitentiary, than to 
be turned loose here — for there is no telling what 
scenes might be enacted. On one day I heard the 



OUR MURDERERS TESTIMONY. 97 

above sentiment expressed on several occasions by as 
respectable gentlemen as there are in the county. 
Suppose, sir, that those men had been cleared, could 
not every man in this community have done the same 
with impunity? Most assuredly, and I repeat it — 
I should deeply deplore to see these men loose, in Pal- 
myra, for there is no telling what scenes might be 
enacted." 

I am thankful 1 can inform the public "what 
scenes" would have been "enacted" had we been 
cleared. 

Rev, Wm. Beardsley, writing for the Oberlin Evan- 
gelist, says, "We have been assured by respectable 
people in Missouri, that there were many at the court, 
prepared and fully determined, in case they were not 
convicted, to assasinate them on the spot." 

A minister, at the time he wrote living in St. Louis, 
and acquainted in Palmyra, handed us, in the Penitentia- 
ry, a letter (hereafter to be introduced) in which he says, 
*•• I beHeve the Lord overruled the affair for the preser- 
ving of your lives — for had you been acquitted, you 
all would have certainly been murdered! The infuri- 
ated mob, with their faces all blacked, had prepared 
the gallows, and even the ropes for your execution! 
O! tell it not in Gath — publish it not in the streets of 
Askelon — but never fear, brother Work." 

After we had been in the Penitentiary, nearly four 
years, a man who at the time of our trial (I believe 
he was present) lived in the adjoining county, said 
to us, " To your trial, twenty men came from Han- 
nibal prepared to hang you in case of an acquittal. 
When the sentence was announced, a magistrate said 
to his fellow, "There we've got clear of mobbing 
theml" 

Reader, turn back and read their repeated threats, 
their oaths and curses, and then judge if I speak false- 
ly. " Lord lay not this sin to their charge." 



98 PATIENT IN TRIBULATION. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

JOURNAL AND LETTERS. 

TWELVE YEARS IN THE PENITENTIARY 



Sept. 13. '■' Father, not as I will, but as thou wilt." 
"Glorify thy name." 

If that is the field of labor for me — if most for my good 
— if best for my friends — if the cause of Christ needs 
it — if abolitionists need it to stir them up — if the 
poor slave needs it — if it will be for the best good 
of the world — if my '•'' crown will shine brighter in heav- 
en, my song rise higher," and be sweeter^ — then. Amen! 
I shall be acquitted at the great and supreme tribunal of 
the universe. Then my dear Saviour will actas judge, 
and the world will see and acknowledge the justness 
of my cause. Then those who are now my enemies, 
and rejoice and clap their hands at my condemnation, 
will be covered with shame and everlasting confusion, 
unless they repent. Then all things will be set per- 
fectly right, and to that court I appeal! 

I had laid my plans, and was looking forward with 
joyful anticipations to the time when I should stand 
on heathen ground, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. 
But if these plans were not in accordance with my Sav- 
ior's, let them be frustrated, and his, fully carried out. 

I have dear attachments at Mission Institute, but 
I leave them to accomplish my Redeemer's will. I 
have aged parents, dear brothers, sisters, and friends, 
but gladly leave them to follow in the steps of my 
Captain, and of the innumerable company of those 
who have suffered for Jesus' sake. I feel unworthy 
to be thus honored, but am willing my Master should 
make me just such an instrument to roll on his cause, 
as he sees fit 



SUSTAINED BY GRACE. 99 

Should I be confined twelve years to toil, shut out 
from Christian society and privileges, I will say with 
David, " Though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with 
me." Yes, Jesus will be with me there. ""He will 
never leave me, nor forsake" me. When I walk 
through the "midst of trouble. He will revive me" — 
'"through rivers of sorrow, they shall not overflow 
me" — through the " flame, I shall not be burned," for 
He is with me. " There shall no evil befall" me, for 
He shall " preserve me from all evil." He shall "pre- 
serve my soul." 

If 1 go to Jeflferson, I go as innocent a man (as to 
this crime) as ever suffered from the spite and malice 
of wicked men. Their own law condemns them, and 
God's law pronounces sentence upon them, unless they 
repent. 

Well, let them do their worst, they can't hurt us. 
They cannot give us a guilty conscience, nor keep us 
from communion with God, nor shut from our hearts 
the consolations of the Holy Ghost. They cannot 
bar heaven against us, nor take from us the golden 
harp, nor pluck our crowns from our heads. No; 
still "Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord, and 
whose hope the Lord is." I pity those who would 
injure me — I pray for them — 1 forgive them, and hope 
they may find forgiveness with God. O for a spirit 
of greater love to, and more hearty forgiveness of 
enemies. 

The grace of God has sustained me during the 
trial; my heart has been calm, and my mind composed. 
At the time of the sentence, our minds were unmoved 
and our countenances unchanged. The multitude 
gazed to see us blush and drop our heads, but were 
disappointed. Jesus did not forsake us at that trying 
time. I felt then, and still feel the preciousness of 
trusting in Christ, of leaning upon his arm, and com- 
mitting all to his care. 



100 MOB LAW. 

To-day, through the intercession of our counsel, we 
received a quire of paper, that we might write letters 
to some of our friends before going to the penitentiary. 

During much of the time for these two weeks, we 
were engaged in writing letters — some of which 
shall be soon forthcoming. 

A FREE MAN MOBBED. 

14. This afternoon, Charles, (the sleeping preacher,) 
went out and was cleared — no prosecutor appearing 
against him, nor indictment found. He started to go 
over with Stephen, (a student,) but a mob pursued. 

They have long threatened abusing him, when he 
should get out, and no sooner is he clear, than the 
human bloodhounds are in close pursuit! This is but 
a specimen of the spirit that exists here — that slavery 
germinates and fosters. The cause of their hatred to 
Charles, was doubtless his enmity to slavery. Mark! 
though he was honorably discharged, and had injured 
no one, he could not, with safety, stay there one hour 
— and yet "we are opposed to mobs in Marion 1" 

MOB IN CINCINNATI. 

Heard, by Stephen, that there has been a mob in 
Cincinnati — some killed — property destroyed — and 
great commotion. Bless the Lord, the work is going 
on. There is such an almost universal apathy and 
indifference on the subject of human rights, it seems, 
almost, as if nothing but such thunderbolts from the 
God of justice will gain the attention of the multitude, 
long enough to arouse serious thought to the subject. 
If then, there must be commotions, and blood-shed, 
and revolutions, no matter how soon they come — the 
sooner the better. May the Lord take the work into 
his own hands, and " cut it short in righteousness." 



THE BROKEN WILL. 101 

. Our nation appears to be drawing very near a crisis. 
It seems almost ripe for ruin. The sufferings of the 
slave, and the blood of the martyrs, cry loudly to 
heaven for vengeance. 

That slavery is soon to fall I have no doubt, but in 
what way, I cannot tell. I fear men will not listen to 
truth, sufiiciently to lead them to see and put away the 
evil peaceably; if they will not, then, by the judgments 
of God they will be compelled to give it up. He can 
easily find means to put away the system; and may 
the time be hastened. Let God use those means 
which will most glorify Him. These commotions, 
mobs, concussions of states, casting honest men into 
prison, and other events of like character, evince that 
something uncommon, unlooked for, and that will 
cause " the ears of men to tingle," is near. Lord, 
turn and overturn, till the nation and church are 
thoroughly purified. 

THE BROKEN WILL. 

15. Harry, the shoe-maker, is a slave. His old mas- 
ter, at his death, left in his will that Harry should be 
free. But as soon as he was dead, before he was bur- 
ied, his children contrived and destroyed the will, and 
still hold Harry as a slave. 

Such is the case with many. I have heard of num- 
bers; and there is not an honest,enlightened slaveholder, 
that can deny that such cruel injustice is common in 
the slave states. Nothing is too bad for the spirit of 
slavery to do. 

Albert's first master willed him free at the age of 
twenty-five. Since then he has been sold again and 
again. They have tried their utmost to sell him 
south, so that he could never get the will; but he is a 
little too smart for them — he knows too much, and 
doubtless will get his freedom, by will, or "• leg bail." 
His mind is well filled. This Albert was sold south 



102 UNBELIEF AND FAITH, 

— ran away — was taken up and put in Palmyra jail — 
was there during all our time — learned to write — took 
lessons on liberty — and, shortly after our departure, 
slipped by the jailer, as he came one evening to bring 
his supper — called, with his companion, on our friends 
— and went safely to Victoria's domain. 

UNBELIEF AND FAITH. 

16. At present the way may seem dark to some of 
our friends, and because they cannot see the reason 
of this dispensation, may feel discouraged. Let not 
this be the case with any. There is no cause for being 
cast down. Only believe that God knows and wili 
do what is for our best good, and we shall rejoice in 
all his ways. 

Joseph might have thought his treatment a strange 
providence; he could have brought up many plausible 
reasons why it would have been better for him to be 
with his father and friends, but he trusted in God. 
Though he could not see, yet he believed, and was 
happy and useful in his prison — in a land of strangers. 
Had he not believed, he would have made himself 
miserable, and perhaps pined away, and sunk into the 
grave. Unbelief banishes peace. 

Behold his father. IIow very different. He has no- 
faith. As soon as a dark cloud arises, he is in troublb 
— puts the worst construction on the providence of 
God — looks at the dark side, murmurs, frets, repines,. 
and makes up his mind to '\go to the grave mourning." 
He was unhappy — had no peace; for his unbelief had 
completely shut out peace from his soul. Friends, 
believe, where you cannot see. Rest in God, and you. 
shall be kept in '•'' perfect peace," though the earth 
should pass away. 

Though Jacob chafed and vexed himself, yet God 
went forward with his wise and kind purposes. Jo- 
seph w«.s separated from homo and friends for perhaps. 



UNBELIEF AND FAITH. 103 

twenty years. Jacob, all this time, made himself 
wretched by unbelief, when he might have been con- 
tented and happy, by only exercising confidence in 
God. But after a long time he showed the old father 
his folly in being so concerned and irreconciled. 

Great good was the result of this strange provi- 
dence — not only Jacob and his family but nations sav- 
ed and God glorified! How much sweeter this bless- 
ing would have been to Jacob, had he all the time felt 
a firm confidence that all would come out for the best. 

Then let not my parents feel and say as did Jacob — 
"An evil beast hath devoured him. George is, with- 
out doubt, rent in pieces." " I will go down to the 
grave mourning," &c., but let them trust in God and 
be quiet. Let them feel that He is wiser and more 
kind than they. 

Let not M. feel as did Martha and Mary of old 
when their brother died — "• Lord, if thou hadst been 
here my brother had not died," — as if their happiness 
all rested on their brother. Here was unbelief. They, 
did not acknowledge the hand of God. Because 
their brother died, their hopes were all blasted, and they 
were filled with anxiety and trouble. Let her remem- 
ber the words of the Savior — ^'' Said I not unto thee 
that if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glo- 
ry of God?" Let none fret and murmur. The glory 
of God shall be seen — therefore let all be satisfied, 
composed, and trust in Jesus. 

Though I go not down to Egypt to feed with tem- 
poral bread or save the temporal lives of miUions, yet, 
I if I go to Jefferson, there is no doubt that thousands 
will be delivered from worse than Egyptian bondage, 
and fed with spiritual bread, and made to inherit eter- 
nal life in consequence. More broken hearts than 
were in Jacob's family, will be bound up and comfort- 
ed, — many an old mourning father will be made to 
rejoice upon his son's neck, and to say — " Now let me 
die, since I have seen thy face and thou art yet aUve." 



104 



TAKING THE SLAVE'S PLACE. 



In many a family will there be " heard music and 
dancing," because he that was as dead, has come again, 
and the lost has been found — of many places shall it 
be said, '"'■ there was great joy in that city," because 
the oppressors arm has been broken, and hberty to 
all proclaimed through the land. Shall I then fear to 
go down to Egypt? (Jefferson?) No! No! "Lord, 
here am I, send me." 

TAKING THE SLAVe's PLACE. 

" Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." How 
shall this be applied to the slave? If many can be re- 
leased from their sufferings for years, by my taking, 
as it were, their place, then does not this principle re- 
quire me to do it cheerfully? At any rate I am willing 
to wear the chain — endure the frowns and threats — 
perform the toil, and suffer the smartings of the lash, 
if this will ease them of their burden. 

Although going to the penitentiary is not exactly ta- 
king the slave's place, yet it is suffering with him, and for 
him, and will shorten the time of his bondage. If in 
this way, more than in any other, I can labor effectual- 
ly to break his chain, then let Jesus take me, use me 
in his own way, help me to '■'' gird up the loins of my 
mind," that I may bear up manfully under all."* 

THE LAST VIEW. 

After our sentence, many of our beloved associates-- 
hastened, day after day, to take their last view of us 
in this world. Load after load came and gave us the 
parting hand, the farewell look, and the affectionate 
benediction. The clank of our chain, and the united 



J * Though my journal was written as expressive of ray own particular 
feelings and views, it is believed it as heartily expresses the feelings of f ! 
the other brethren as my own. 



THE LAST VIEW. 105 

Voices, of those kindred and dear made music, sweet, 
while they in the street, and we in our dungeon, togeth- 
er praised the Lord, and sought his blessing and pro- 
tection. O, precious seasons! 

As I write, my mind recalls the names of many who 
then beheld us for the last time. One, and another, and 
another, were soon called to their rest. Our beloved 
Moses has gone; good old David walks in white; Isaac 
and Samuel are no more; Bro. Francis is with Jesus; 
Rebecca has long sung with the angels; little Ellen, 
(Alanson's youngest child,) quickly pined away and 
sunk into the grave, sorrowing for her father; — while 
many have been wafted to distant nations, to proclaim 
the glad tidings of salvation. 

Though bars of iron, huge and strong, intercepted 
our gaze and prevented our near approach, our spirits 
rejoiced in secret fellow ship, while we anticipated the 
happy meeting above, where foes can never more ap- 
proach. 

On the 18th of Sept., Mrs. Work with all her family 
made a visit to the Jail — came in — and while the little 
ones embraced their father, and each bade him fare- 
well, O! where is the heart that would not melt? Yet 
Palmyrians could look upon the scene unmoved. Sla- 
very is very familiar with seeing parents torn from 
their children, and famiUes sundered. Such things 
are common, every-day occurrences, and not regarded. 

I beUeve Mrs. Work came once more, before we 
left — some came still later, but for the last week of 
our time there, no one came — ^having heard that we 
were gone. Expecting every day that some one 
would be over, we wrote many things both in the way 
of journal and letters, expecting an opportunity to 
send them by our friends, but no friends came, and 
they all fell into the hands of the enemy, and most 
probably were committed to the flames. Our books, 
watch, &c., after a long time, were given up. 



106 THE ILLINOIS AND MISSOURI CLERGYMEN. 

Before our trial, a minister, Bro. B., from 111., came 
to see and converse with us, but was not allowed to 
come in. We spoke a few words through the grates. 

On the 17th, Horatio Foote came to see us, but was 
denied the privilege. He went to the sheriff: '• No." 
He went the circuit judge: " No admittance." And 
he went home, without seeing or speaking to us. 

In a religious town, and yet a prisoner not allowed 
to converse with a gospel minister, nor receive from 
him a word of counsel and consolation. Now mark. 
On the very next day, two men, [Missourians,] were 
allowed to come and talk with us, in defence of slave- 
ry; while he who wished to enquire after our souls' 
welfare, was excluded. One of the two, was formerly 
a methodist minister, but is now an editor^ and proba- 
bly came in to talk with us, that he might have some- 
thing to attract notice in the columns of his paper. 

The following is the substance of our conversation: 

''• What are your feelings under your trials V "We 
are perfectly resigned, contented and happy." "Do 
you think your conduct was right?" '•' Perfectly so." 
"By what rule was it justifiable?" "By the com- 
mands of the Bible, and the whole spirit of the gospel. 
"Will you please state more definitely?" "Love 
thy neighbor as thyself," — "As ye would that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them." '^ Do good 
unto all men," &c. "What do you think of Phile- 
mon's case?" "There is no difficulty in that, for 
Onesimus was Philemon's own brother, and not a slave.'"' 
On this he argued some time, "I have been accustom- 
ed to believe that Onesimus was a runazoay slave, and 
that Paul sent him back to his master." "All very 
natural, sir, but read the chapter, and see what it 
says, (v. 16,) "Not now as a servant, but above a ser- 
vant, a brother beloved., specially to me — but how much 
more to thee, both in the Jlesh., and in the Lord?" Sir, 
the phrase " in the flesh," can mean nothing more nor 
less than an own brother. Read again, (v. 18,) "If he' 



IN CHAINS AGAIN. 



107 



hath wronged thee, or oweth thee aught," &c. Can 
a slave, owe his master? The probability is, sir, that 
he was a joungcr brother, bound out to his older broth- 
er, Philemon." It was a new idea to him altogether, 
and he was taken in a way he was not expecting — 
was confused, and could not say much; for there it 
was, right before his eyes; deny it he could not. Per- 
haps he had read the chapter hundreds of times, and 
preached from it, frequently to slaves, and others; yet 
slavery had so blinded his eyes, he never had seen the 
plainest undeniable meaning. He had been looking 
for something with which to bolster up slavery and 
not for the simple truth — and is not this the case with 
the majority of slaveholding ministers ? 

OUR CHAIN AGAIN. 

Sept. 18. "Before dark they came and put us in 
chains again, not the old one, but one not quite so 
large. It was a large ox chain. One of us at each 
end, and James in the middle, about six feet apart. — 
This is the one they expect us to wear to Jefferson. 
What their object can be 1 know not, unless it is to 
spite and harass us all they can, while they have the 
power; for surely they cannot feel that there is any 
danger of our getting away, and they must know that 
we have no disposition so to do. This is by the sher- 
iff's orders, a professed brother in Christ! 

Remonstrance was in vain, nor had he courage to 
come and speak with us, but sent word, " It must be 
done." Is it uncharitable to say, "• And Felix will- 
ing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound?" 
But I will bear it patiently, for heaven will be the 
sweeter for the trials of earth. We have been free 
from our chain eight and a half days." 

slaveholders' RELIGION AND CATHOLICISM. 

I very much fear that much of the religion of the 
j slaveholders is like the reUgion of Bishop Bonner and 



108 TRUSTING IN GOD. 

the Catholic clergy in the times of the persecutions, 
about the year fifteen hundred. Then, if a man called 
the Pope Anti-Christ, &c., he was at once, without 
judge or jury,condemned as a heretic, and not fit to live. 

So now: If a man go into a slave state, and open 
his mouth against the awful abominations practised — 
if he " cry aloud and spare not," or if he even drop a 
■word or remark in favor of abolition — if he does not up- 
hold their holy and "domestic institutions" — if it is 
seen that he is against slavery — why then, no matter 
•what his character may be, though ever so meek, 
humble, inoffensive, and devoted to doing good, he is 
denounced as unworthy to live, — mobbed and killed, . 
imprisoned or driven from the state. The more holy 
the man, the fiercer their rage. 

There certainly is a great similarity in the fruits of I 
the two Rehgions — whether they are the same Reli- 
gion, the Lord be Judge. 

TRUSTING IN GOD. 

Sept. 19. "Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord! 
shall be safe;" and again, "shall be made fat." 

Situated as we are — in chains — among enemies who ■ 
devise our hurt — from dear friends separated, and de- 
nied the privileges of God's house — watched with am 
eagle-eye — reproached and reviled — not knowing whatt 
a day may bring forth — expecting, in chains, to be 
hastened to the confinement of a penitentiary, under 
the care and treatment of whom we know not — there,, 
for years, to be shut out from all religious society; per-- 
haps to be denied even speaking or writing to ouri 
friends; excluded from religious privileges; in speech-- 
less toil to spend the day under a driver, and by night I 
alone with Jesus — thus situated it is beyond utterance 
blessed, sweet, and glorious to commit ourselves and 
cause, into the hands of our faithful Redeemer. It 
gives a peace " the world cannot take away" — -a. "joy 
unspeakable and full of glory," 



THE DAY OF ADVERSITY. 109 

20. "If thou faint in the clay of adversity thy 

strength is small." — Pi-ov. xxiv: 10. That my strength 

is small I am conscious; yet I trust the grace of 

I Christ will so strengthen me that I shall not " faint." 

i For he has said, if I " wait on him with good courage" 

j He " will strengthen my heart." I have waited on 

Him and have not fainted. I will wait upon Him, 

and trust 1 shall not faint. His promise is sure. 

O! that none of my friends may faint, but trust in 
the Lord in adversity as well as in prosperity — yea, 
we hardly know whether we do really trust in Him 
I till adversity tries our faith. We should then be thank- 
i ful for circumstances which put our faith and principle 
;to a test. They show us what we are — teach us 
ourselves — hring out our real hearts. Adversity is 
calculated to promote in us unfeigned humility; to in- 
crease our dependence on God — our patience, love, 
faith; and to separate us from the world and all creature 
objects. It shows us who are our true friends^ — for 

*' The friends who in our sunshine live, 
When winter comes, are flown; , 
And he who has but tears to give. 
Must weep those tears alone." 

It teaches us to be thankful for prosperity; we learn 
the worth of it; and when restored again to health, 
friends and comforts, we shall prize and improve them. 
Thus sickness teaches us the worth of health — losses 
and destitution, the value of possession — bereavements, 
the greatness of the blessing of friends, parents, hus- 
bands, wife and children — persecution, the blessedness 
of peace and quietness — and by imprisonment, we learn 
the importance of liherly. 

Such being the beneficial results' of adversity, shall 
we shrink back from its approach? Oh! no; for "bless- 
ed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is 
tried he shall receive a crown of life." 

I welcome, then, the piercing blast, 
' For Oh! though sharp, 't will soon be paat. 



110 THE DAY OP ADVERSITY, 

And swiftly waft me homeward too: 
Let tempests blow and billows roll, 
My Captain will their rage control, 
And He will bear me safely through. 

I welcome dungeons, pain and shame. 
Yea, welcome death, for Jesus' name. 
If I may reach his blest abode, 
In tribulation I'll rejoice. 
In persecution tune my voice. 
And glory in the path He trod. 

Moreover, adversity not only teaches us, as nothing , 
else can, the preciousness and worth of the promises, - 
but gives us a claim to them, bringing us into circum- 
stances for which they were especially provided, and : 
to which particularly adapted. Says Mckle — "He 
that suffers under the greatest load of afflictions, has a 
right to the greatest number of promises: and when- 
ever he loses another enjoyment, he has a right to 
another promise, which makes up that loss with a 
redundancy of goodness." But I need not enlarge. 
The whole tenor of the Bible teaches us that adversi- 
ty is profitable if rightly improved — sent in love, and 
only designed to ^' do us good in the latter end," and 
'' make us partakers of his holiness." 

The universal testimony of the saints, is that '^ their 
most afflictive^days have been their best days." They 
all sing, "" good to be afflicted," — " sweet affliction, 
that brings Jesus to my soul." 

LETTER FR03I ALANSON BEFORE STARTING FOR JEFFERSON. 

" Brother Turner: — 

" You expressed the opinion that 
we did not realize " what it is to go to the penitentiary," j 
or that we '' looked upon it in loo light a manner.'"' 
Thinking it may help me to endure with patience 
whatever awaits me, and be a satisfaction to you and 
the dear friends who have manifested their kind feel 



alanson's feelings. Ill 

ings to us while here, I have concluded to give you a 
brief history of my feelings that you may be the bet- 
ter able to judge of my preparation to go to the peni- 
tentiary. 

When I started on the expedition that has brought 
me here, I felt confident that it was right, yea, and 
duty, to help those who want help, (not criminals, 
though they should ask help, but those who are un- 
justly and illegally oppressed.) This confidence has 
given me a quiet conscience at all times. When we 
first fell into the hands of our enemies, and they, with 
their guns at our breasts, threatened to shoot us 
through if we stirred; when they had us in their 

^ power, and Brown stepped back and said he would 
shoot me any how, I felt startled. And when I came 
to realize my condition and the prospect before me, 
— not knowing what to expect — hearing the threats of 
those who had us in their power, some of whom were 
for hanging, some for shooting — some for one thing 
and some for another; when these prospects flashed 
across my mind, my condition appeared dreadful. 
And then my family! — my wife forty miles from 

'"' home — my little children alone^ waiting in anxious 
suspense the return of their father — all came pressing 
m my mind with such force, that for the first week I 
fvas unhappy. 

The thought that I might, if acquitted, fall into the 
lands of the mob, my body be whipped to a gore of 
jlood, or my life be taken away by this or some other 
neans, at times made me tremble. But feeling con- 
scious that my motive was " to do to others as I would 
hey should do to me," 1 continued to commit myself 

til ind family to God, in fervent prayer, feeling that He 
vas my only hope. 

Our friends furnished us with books. In these I 
found food and strength. In studying the Bible, I 

3t(|bufid it '■'a. lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." 

4 in it I learned that the '^Captxiin of our salvation was 



112 alanson's feelings. 

made perfect through suffering;" and that if we "would 
reign with Him, we must also suffer with Him." These 
and kindred passages, together with the account of the 
sufferings of Christians, as given in the Book of Mar- 
tyrs, reconciled me to my "light afflictions." When I 
heard my Savior saying, "Let not your heart be trou- 
bled neither let it be afraid;" when I heard the word 
of God in almost every chapter — " Fear not," "Be not 
dismayed," "I will be with you," "I will help you," 
"Not a hair of your head shall perish, and nothing 
shall by any means hurt you," " When thou passest 
through the waters I will be with you, and through the 
rivers, they shall not overflow thee," " When thou 
walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burned, 
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," &c., my 
fears were allayed. And when I read Mahan's' Chris- 
tian Perfection, and saw the full redemption there is in i 
Christ — how He has made the fullest provision for all 
our necessities of body and soul, for time and for 
eternity, that infinite love and wisdom could devise — 
when 1 saw that infinite faithfulness was pledged to,> 
fulfill "the exceeding great and precious promises," to 
every one believing in them, and when I could plead! 
these promises with confidence, I felt my strength re-- 
newed, and my mind girded to meet the conflict. 

I committed myself to the Lord, and prayed that! 
He would deliver me out of the hands of my enemies,, 
or that He would allow them to triumph by sending: 
me to the penitentiary, or to wreak their vengeance 
by taking my life, or in any other way that would glo- 
rify his name, and most benefit the slave. With these 
feelings I went before the court, and was "not greatly 
moved" during the trial, as the prospect appeared for 
or against us. 

When the jury gave their verdict, and ail eyes were 
turned upon us, to see the effect, by the grace of God, 
I looked them in the face with composure. 



ALANSOiN's FEELINGS. 113 

And now, if it is my Heavenly Fathers will that I 
should go to the penitentiary and labor for twelve 
years, separated from my family, from his ordinances 
and people, I know that He has wise reasons — some 
purposes of mercy to accomplish; and as He has hith- 
erto given me strength according to my day, I feel that 
I can trust Him for the future, and that He will pre- 
pare me to endure to the end, or open the prison door, 
in his own time and way. Now, dear brother, is my 
confidence misplaced? Have I any reason to murmur, 
be cast down, or to fear what man will do to me ? I trust 
that you, and all who sigh, and pray, and labor for the 
slave, will answer, no. 

I learn that my condition, on account of my family, 
excites sympathy even in the hard heart of the op- 
pressor. But why should it? They can see the slave 
separated from his family, and all the ties of nature 
sundered in respect to him, without one feeling of com- 
passion. No thanks to them for their pity to me. 
Let them first learn to show pity at home, and 1 shall 
need none. I now feel my interest, my life, my liberty, 
my all, identified with those of the slave. I design to 
search for some pillar on which slavery rests, and 
through the prayers of God's people, hope to be en- 
dued with power from on high to lay hold of it, and if 
I perish, perish Sampson like. 

A. Work." 

Doubtless the foregoing letter will be read with 
interest by every reader. For the future, his feelings 
must be read, principally, in those that are given from 
the records of James or myself — as all were similar. 

I regret that henceforth, our history, feelings, &c., 
must be drawn chiefly from my own writings. The 
journal for all, was kept by myself. All wrote many 
letters, yet these are for the most part lost, and manj 
of my own I have not been able to get, so that the 
history will necessarily be incomplete. However I 
trust it will not be unprofitable. 
7 



114 LETTER TO MY FRIENDS, AFTER TRIAL. 

'■'•Palmyra Jail^ Sept. 14, '41. 
"Dear Parents, Brothers, and Sisters, 

'^ I suppose jou have had many anxious 
thoughts about me, since jou heard of my confinement 
in this jail. Let me say, dismiss your anxiety, your 
carefulness, and your fears. All is well. Yester- 
day our trial closed, with a verdict of guilty, and 
twelve years in the penitentiary. Be not troubled. 
••The Lord reigns.' 'Shall not the Judge of all the 
earth do right?' Yes 1 am satisfied with his dealings 
with me. Be assured that the things whereof I am 
accused, are not true. 

They have tried, but failed to prove them, and pass- 
ed sentence contrary to their own laws, though in 
perfect accordance with their prejudices and their 
maHcc. I go to Jefferson, remembering that I am but 
treading in the steps of my Captain, and of an innu- 
merable company of saints who have been persecuted 
and killed for doing good. 1 go with cheerfulness, to 
be a partaker of the slaves'' sutFerings, and to ''fill up 
that which rcmaineth of the sufferings of Christ." I 
go, feeling that I have done right. In view of these 
things the Penitentiary seems a sweet place — the toil, 
rest — the confinement, liberty — the years, a few days 
— the disgrace, a great honor. My spirit they cannot 
confine, my thoughts they cannot chain. They shall 
soar on high, and dwell in the celestial region: I shall 
" lack no good thing." If my plans are all to be frus- 
trated. Amen. I will not love my parents, brothers, 
sisters, plans, attachments, more than my Savior; but 
gladly leave them all, to fulfill his most blessed will. 
My sentence is twelve years, but we do not expect to 
remain that length of time — if nothing else can be 
done, slavery will probably cease before that time, 
and then we shall come out. 

I enjoin upon every one to plead the cause of the 
poor slave — to " cry aloud, and spare not," to exert 
yourselves to the \itmost, to deliver the poor, and 
speed on the day of universal liberty. 



LETTER TO THE OBERLIN EVANGELIST. 115 

Not one Christian in Palmyra has been to converse 
with us, as a Christian. Our friends at Quincy and 
Mission Institute, have been very kind; they have 
spared no pains nor effort, to make us comfortable and 
happy. Since we have been here, unceasing prayer 
has been offered by multitudes, that God would glori- 
fy his name. The time spent here has been very pre- 
cious. We have had a prayer meeting, night and 
morning — and on the Sabbath, usually two sermons. 
I shall ever look back to these days with pleasure." 

George." 

Of the previous and following letter, I give merely 
extracts, as much of the sentiment is similar to that 
expressed in Alanson's letter, and in my journal. 

letter TO the OBERLIN EVANGELIST. 

Palmyra Jail. Sept^ 15, 1841. 
Dear Brother: 

It, no doubt seems strange to you, to see me 
date my letter as above, and strange it would be had 
not our Savior, more than eighteen hundred years ago 
said, " Behold the Devil shall cast some of you into 
prison, and ye shall be tried,''^ and did we not remem- 
ber that the apostles, and thousands of the ancient 

' Christians, were cast into prison "• for the name of Je- 
sus," and "• for conscience toward God." Remember- 
ing these things, it is not strange that the devil should 
even noHJ, cast God's '■'•little ones" into prison. We 
are told " It is through much tribulation, we must en- 
ter into the kingdom of God," and " all who will live 
godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution,''^ yea, 

y "the time cometh, that whosoever killelh you, will 

fl think that he doeth God service." 

I am not at all astonished to see days of persecution 
commence. I have expected them. I have felt that 
they would come, before the poor slave could be de- 



116 THE slaveholder's PLAN. 

livered: and that some must make up their minds to 
be sacrificed upon the altar of slavery, and if /am thus 
to be sacrificed, I submit cheerfully, rejoicing that 
I am counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of 
Jesus." 

I am happy. I never expect to look back to any 
portion of my past life with greater joy and satisfac- 
tion, than upon the time spent in the chain. The 
Savior has been our constant companion, to whom we 
have had great delight in approaching. He has pour- 
ed into our souls the consolations of his grace. His 
love has "■ cast out"' fear, and our souls have been kept 
in peace. 

If I am to labor for years in prison to satisfy the 
spite of blood-thirsty men, be it known that I go glad- 
ly and triumphantly, knowing that truth will prevail, 
and great shall be the good resulting. May thou- 
sands arise in my stead — the cause roll on with power, 
and the Lord arise, and '•'• cut short the work in right- 
eousness." 

For the truth and the slave. 
Yours truly, 

Geo. Thompson." 

THE slaveholder's PLAN. 

Sept. 20. This afternoon a slaveholder came to the 
window, and wished to know how we felt. He ex- 
pected to find us cast down and sorrowful, but was 
much disappointed and amazed, when he found us 
cheerful and contented, in view of twelve years in the 
Penitentiary. 

Said Alanson to him, '•'• I expect that every stroke 
I strike there, will be knocking down your goddess." 
The man replied, "• I think not, but perhaps you may 
do the State some good, by your labor; I confess that 
slavery is wrong — that it is an evil, and should be 
done away, by enlightening the mind, and getting leg- 



THE ACCUSATION LOOK AT IT. 117 

islators to enact laws against it." Granted. But how 
are your minds to be "enlightened?" "Already, you 
have laws against a word being spoken, or a book cir- 
culated, on the subject! If a man dares to open his 
mouth he is mobbed and abused. You have closed 
your eyes, stopped your ears, fortified your hearts, 
and seared your consciences against every approach 
of light on the subject, and how are your minds to be 
^enlightened." 

The man thought he could show us a " better way," 
to do away the evil, than helping slaves away from 
their masters, but he soon saw that there was no hope 
in his way of operating, confessed his ignorance of the 
Bible, and that he did not govern himself by that 
book. Undoubtedly this is the case generally, with 
slaveholders, and the supporters of the system — they 
are ignorant of the Bible. 

THE ACCUSATION — LOOK AT IT. 

Sept. 21. Slaveholders accuse abolitionists of enti- 
cing their slaves to run away — of exciting them to re- 
bellion, &c., — mob them for their principles, impris- 
on, kill them, and pass laws to prevent their speaking 
or circulating their pamphlets on the subject; and yet 
come out and declare publicly in their paper, (Mis- 
souri Courier,) and even in this time of great excite- 
ment, that the " notions of these fanatics only tend to 
rivet still closer the chains of servitude upon our slaves 
— they are doing more than any other class to fasten 
the chain on the African slaves," &c. What logic! 
How alarmed lest they cannot get the slaves off their 
hands! How they groan to be delivered from the 
burden! Oh, what hollow-heartedness! 

The whole community thrown into an uproar, and 
consternation, because three abolitionists are among 
them, and yet are only tightening the chains of the 
slave! Are they indeed so anxious to get rid of slave- 



118 ABROGATION OF GOd's LAW. 

ry? Do they so ardently desire to have every chain 
broken, that they so dread the presence of an aboli- 
tionist, lest he should retard the day of liberty? Ah, 
no. If they desire the continuance of slavery, and 
these fanatics are doing so much to rivet the chain, 
surely they should rather court their presence, and 
thank them for their assistance in holding the slave. 
Such is the true specimen of the logic of slaveholders 
and supporters. What nonsense! 

ABROGATION OF GOd's LAW. 

Sept. 22. How true are the words of David. Ps. 
119: 126, "It is time for Thee, Lord, to work, for 
they have made void thy law." Surely slaveholders 
have so done. They have not only been careless and 
indifferent towards it, as is the case with many wicked 
men — do not care whether it is obeyed or not; but 
they have made it '-' roirf," as to the government of 
their actions — it is of no force or account in managing 
slaves. They have as it were, done it azvay, and enact- 
ed in its stead, those coinciding with their lusts, and 
base passions — laws which encourage and reward 
wickedness — discountenance and forbid mercy, truth, 
and righteousness. All the multiplied and awful 
warnings and alarming denunciations against oppres- 
sion, are entirely disregarded, and laws directly oppo- 
site enacted in their stead! 

God says, '■'• Go preach the gospel to every creature." 
They forbid its being preached at all, to more than 
half their population; and forbid the preaching of the 
whole gospel to any! God says "Teach your chil- 
dren." They forbid, and make it a penal offence to 
do it. God says, " Let every man have his own 
wife." They forbid it. "What God hath joined to- 
gether let not man put asunder." The law is universal- 
ly disregarded. "Do good unto all men." They won't 



ABROGATION OF GOd's LAW. 119 

allow it. " As ye would that men should do to you, 
do ye even so to them." For doing thus we are here 
in prison. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Be- 
cause we did^ we are sentenced for twelve years to the 
Penitentiary. "Be merciful." Because we were, 
the country is in array against us, and would destroy 
us. "Deal justly — love mercy." Justice is a mere 
name among them, and their mercy is cruel as the 
grave." "Judge the fatherless, plead for the widow." 
They condemn and tread them down, and persecute 
those who do plead for them. God made man in his 
image. They, by law, make them brutes, property, 
chattels. "We ought to obey God rather than men." 
They tell us, "God's law is of no account here — ^you 
better just let that alone, and think of the laws of Mis- 
souri." We tell them, " the Bible forbids such and 
such things," "Well, well," say they, " the laws of 
our land and the Constitution of the United States 
grant us such privileges. God's law is not our rule." 

And so in almost every thing have they made void 
God's holy law. They have legislated it axoay — ^it 
comes not into their code. It is quite obsolete. 

Surely, Lord, it is time for Thee to work." They 
profess to love Thee, and to regard Thy word — it is 
a professedly Christian community, and yet behold 
how they insult, reproach and mock at Thy law. — 
"What will become of Thy great name," if they are 
thus suffered to triumph? O, arise, and come forth, 
for the vindication of Thy honor, the establishing of 
Thy law, and making it honorable. Let Thy right 
hand be exalted, and the glory of Thy name be great- 
ly magnified. Defend Thy little ones, and save those 
who put their trust in Thee. 

Reader, you are well aware that the above sketch 
is very incomplete — that " the half has not been told" 
you. The list may be extended almost indefinitely! 
Truly God's law is '•'•made void.'''' 



120 THE SLAVES WILL NOT RUN AWAY. 

" The slaves are contented and happy, and could 
not be hired to run away!" So say slaveholders 
to abolitionists. But what is their testimony in a 
crowded court house, when trying to condemn three 
abolitionists? The State's Attorney compared slaves 
to sheep, and liberty to salt. Said he, '•'•they would 
as readily follow a man who held out liberty before 
them, as sheep would follow a man who gave them 
salt." And who does not know the readiness of sheep 
to follow salt, and the strength of their appetite for it? 

Thomas Anderson, a lawyer and slaveholder, testi- 
fied, '•'It is only necessary to give them any hope of 
liberty, and they are ready to escape. They love 
liberty more than sheep love salt," &c. Glover testi- 
fied to their love of liberty, and how they often show 
this love by trying the flcetness of their feet. Wright, 
a lawyer and slaveholder, contended that they were 
men — were rational and immortal beings — that 
the love of liberty was, by the Deity, implanted 
in their hearts, and could not be got out; and many 
other such things which I do not now call to mind. 

If the slaves do not love liberty, then why so much 
effort to keep them down? — why such severe laws, and 
punishments against them, to keep them from running 
away? Why so much terror, alarm, excitement, and 
rage, because an abolitionist is found on this side of the 
river? Ah! they are afraid the slaves will hear a word 
about liberty and Canada, and that then it will be im- 
possible to keep them. Their only way to hold them, 
is to keep them in the darkest ignorance, and this is 
done by legislation. 

Why are we sentenced twelve years to the peni- 
tentiary? Because the slave loves liberiy. Why so 
many advertisements and rewards in the papers — so 
much effort and pains to find the slaves? If they do 
not love liberty, surely they will come back. Why 
are slave-holding cities filled with patrols, by night? 
And why cannot slaveholders sleep at night? Ah, the 



TO A FRIEND. 131 

slave loves liberty, and they know it! Don't love lib- 
erty! What a libel on human reason and common 
sense. Their own mouths, conduct, spirit, laws, con- 
demn them, and proclaim to the world that the slave 
DOES love liberty? 

The remainder of my jail journal probably fell a 
victim to Palmyra flames. The above is the last 
record that I have been able to find. A few extracts 
of letters will close the first division of this work. I 
insert them because I think they will do good. 

TO A FRIEND. 

"""I am satisfied with God's dealings thus far, and 
ever expect to be with all his providences. I have 
* rolled my burden upon the Lord, and He has sus- 
tained' me. While the trial was advancing, and when 
the jury were out, I waited to hear the will of my 
Savior, and when known, how should I feel but re- 
signed, composed, and satisfied? — and what do but 
rejoice in that will? I do, yea, and I will rejoice. 
Let me lose sight of myself, and look to the general 
good. 

What are twelve years labor, compared with the 
imprisonment and torture of ancient Christians? What, 
compared with the life of toil, and suffering of the 
poor slave? Shall I hesitate to suffer with them? Ah 
no. 

The way not to be dejected and discouraged, is to 
look at the promises, the end of life, the good to be 
accomplished; and not to ourselves and selfish interests. 
JForget these. 

TO THE SAME. 

True, we are under sentence of twelve years in the 
Penitentiary, but what of this? Surely, it will not 
hurt us; it will only purify and better prepare us for 
our heavenly abode." 



122 



THE LIGHT AFFLICTION. 



We feel that our separation is an affliction, but must 
we not call it a '4ight affliction?" Comparing it with 
what Jesus suffered for us — the Apostles, and primitive 
saints, for the name of Christ — with what the poor 
slave suffers — with what we deserve — can wc call it 
more than a very "light affliction ?" Surely we cannot. 
But how shall we conduct ourselves under these afflic-; 
tions, Paul tells; 2 Cor. iv: 18. Look not at ou^•^ 
selves, our sufferings, and our prospects ; but at '-Jesus, 
who endured such contradiction of sinners against 
Himself, lest we be wearied, and faint in our minds." 
Look at his sufferings, and his conduct under them. 
Look at his promises — their faithfulness, richness, full- 
ness, all sufficiency; look at heavenly and divine 
things — the mansion, the crown, the harp, the white 
robe, the innumerable company, the Lamb. Looking 
at these things we shall forget our sufferings, and be 
filled with peace and joy, substantial, soul-reviving, 
satisfying, and eternal. Rom. viii, 18. But looking 
at, and dwelling on the things " seen," our troubles, 
&c., we shall forget the promises, Jesus, and the 
glory prepared for us; and be earthly, fretful, unhappy 
— because the things "seen are temporal," and cannot 
furnish that enduring food for the soul, which the 
"things unseen and eternal" afford. Well, what are 
the consequences of thus conducting ourselves under 
these "light afflictions?" Why, they will seem, as 
they really are, "but for a moment," and shall " work 
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory." See how Paul labors to get words to express 
the fulness of his soul. There is also a sweet promise 
in Ecc. viii: 12; "It shall be well with them who fear 
God." Believing this will give us peace and joy in 
all possible adverse circumstances. Can we not fully 
trust our Savior's word? 

We need not fear being crushed, or killed by the 
rod, so long as we lean on Jesus. Knowing that 
the rod is applied in love, by our Father, let us 



1 



SPIRITUAL LIGHT IN DARKNESS. 123 

not faint, but embrace and kiss the rod, which shall 
make us " partakers of his holiness." 

May some afflicted soul profit by these hints. 

The following is considered important for every 
Christian to understand and feel. Because this idea 
tis not understood and felt, is the cause of nearly or 
quite all the baneful influences arising from broken 
plans, disappointed hopes, &:c. 

I TO THE SAME. 

" How often have we prayed that God would make 

us useful in the world, to the greatest extent of our 

! powers. We have said that this is all for which we 

1 desire to live. We profess to desire the glory of God 

! more than any thing else. This is all right. And 

; have we not given ourselves up to Jesus, to direct and 

I do with us just as He sees best? Is not He wise? 

i And does He not know perfectly all our abilities, and 

i qualifications, and circumstances? Does He not un- 

derstand fully, just where we are calculated to labor 

with the greatest success; and where it will be most 

; for our good, the good of our friends, and most for his 

glory? Then, if we have given ourselves up to Him, 

to dispose of, and use for his glory and the greatest 

good of mankind, let us fully believe, in our souls, 

that He will place us just where we are most needed, 

where we shall be most useful, and where we shall 

most honor and glorify his name. If we have no will 

of our own, we shall be perfectly satisfied with all 

the will and dispensations of our Savior, in whom we 

repose implicit confidence. We shall rejoice to go 

PI just where He sends, do what He assigns, and suffer 

what He lays on us; not doubting, for one moment, 

that we are in just the circumstances where we shall 

accomplish the most for our Redeemer. 

Though He may place us in circumstances that 
seem adverse, and dark clouds gather around us — 



124 LETTER OF INTRODUCTION. 

though we can not see how good will result, yet, let 
our confidence in his wisdom and faithfulness be un- 
shaken, feeling assured that He will bring it out just 
right — and just as we would have it, did we know all 
the circumstances and results as He knows them. 

Forget ourselves, our interests, our plans, and re- 
joice to let Christ take and make us instruments to 
carry on his plans and interests, in his own way. Be 
perfectly swallowed up in God's will — ready for any 
thing. This will give a quietness, peace, and joy, 
that nothing else will. And let me assure you, this 
quietness, peace and joy, I feel in my soul in view of 
all that is before me. It banishes anxiety and all 
uneasiness, while I patiently wait for, and desire only 
God's will to be done. I have an unshaken confidence 
that He will do " all things weliy With these feel- 
ings, it is out of the power of earth and hell, com- 
bined, to make me unhappy. If the greatest good 
will result, (and can we doubt it?) by our suffering, 
our long imprisonment, why then, our desire is accom- 
plished — our request granted, and why not rejoice? 
Is it for us to say, in what way we will be useful? 
We are in the Savior's employ — let Him direct, and we 
will sing, 

"Only thou our leader he, 

And we still will follow thee." 

I have not a doubt, that if the Lord sends me to the 
Penitentiary, more will be accomplished, than could 
possibly, by me, in any other way. 

My Savior calls, and I rejoice to obey. Keep close 
to Him, and He will keep close to you. George." 

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION. 

"To the warden of Missouri Penitentiary, Jefferson City, 

Palmyra, Sept, 20, 1841. 

Dea.r Sir: — This will be handed to you by Messrs 
Work, Burr and Thompson, who have been confined i 



LETTER OF INTRODUCTION. 125 

the jail of this place, for some months, on a charge of ta- 
Iking some slaves, with intent to set them at liberty — 
^on which charge they have been convicted, and sen- 
; tenccd to twelve years' imprisonment under your care. 
: They have solicited me to say to you, what is their 
; true character and standing, I can say that I have 
[known them only since they came to Palmyra jail, and 
in the relation of counsel, who defended them on their 
trial! 

That they have sustained a good reputation hereto- 
'.fore, I have no doubt, from all I can learn. I am of the 
opinion that they are conscientious men, and mean to 
do right, according to their views of right. I think, 
sir, they would be incapable of stealing, in the com- 
mon acceptation of that term — and what they have 
idone, has been induced by mistaken opinions of duty 
in regard to the subject of slavery — they being practi- 
cally and emphatically 'abolitionists. They having 
[requested, I could not withhold from persons situated 
las they are, a statement of what 1 have been satisfac- 
torily induced to believe, was and is their true char- 
lac ter. 
' With great respect, I am, sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

S. T. Glover." 

The jailer also wrote a letter to the Warden, com- 
imending our good conduct while with him, approving 
:of our character &:c. 

j The Judge also wrote to the Warden, stating that he 
(believed us honest, conscientious men, who meant to do 
right in what we did — and he believed if we were at 
liberty, would do the same again. He thought we 
should not be treated as common felons, as other pris- 
,oners, but more leniently &c. And yet this same Judge 
was a wicked man, and so prejudiced, and hard-heart- 
ed, that he did all he could to convict us, and obsti- 
nately refused to grant an appeal ! No thanks to him 



tl26 QTJIIfCY COMMITTEE. 

for thus recommending us to the Warden, for the Lord 
pressed it out of him. 

After our trial, a committee was appointed at a pub- 
lic meeting in Quincj, to collect and publish all the 
circumstances in the case. They did so. A pamphlet 
of thirty-seven pages, one thousand copies, was pub- 
lished. A few remarks from ^that work, and I close 
this chapter. 

They say — '■'•That they are honest men, all who 
have been acquainted with them will testify. We be- 
lieve them incapable of a departure from what they 
deem a course of integrity and honor. We know the 
men — have witnessed their correct course of life, and 
the closeness of their walk with God. 

They have hitherto been distinguished for upright- 
ness of character, for benevolence, and purity of life, 
and for their zeal in every work of reform, and espe- 
cially in the cause of human rights. The standard by 
which they aimed to regulate their lives, was not pub- 
lic opinion, not expediency, but Heaven's own statute 
book, for which they maintained the most sacred re- 
gard, and made it their constant study. And in mark- 
ing out their course of conduct, their great inquiry 
seemed, not what would please others, or be to them- 
selves a source of present advantage, but what was 
right, what was duty, what was in fact the will of God. 
They emphatically 'Remembered those in bonds as 
hound with them,' and they have been heard, while 
engaged in prayer for their emancipation, to entreal 
the Lord that if thus they could more effectually aid 
in delivering the enslaved from bondage, they mighl 
themselves wear the chain" — and blessed be God. 
we HA.VB worn the chain. 



PART SECOND. 

CHAPTER I. 

EMBRACING FIFTEEN AND A HALF MONTHS-THE 
TIME UNDER CAPT'S. GORDEN AND BURCH. 

JOURNEY TO THE PENITENTIARY. 

The morning of the first of October, 1841, was 
jcold and very stormy. We arose as usual — but 
I about nine o'clock we were called to start for Jeffer- 
son. A crowd again assembled to take their farewell 
'gaze at us. The rain was pouring down almost in 
[torrents, but the stage came, and we, after bidding 
, the jailer adieu, were seated, on the middle seat — the 
Idriver before, and the sheriff" behind us. 
1 A guard of six or seven men, armed with pistols, 
[dirks, ifec, on horseback, accompanied us. The 
!cause of this great force, was an expectation on the 
part of the sheriff", and others, that we would be way- 
laid by a large company of our friends, for the pur- 
jpose of rescuing us from their hands. We told the 
sheriff" he need fear nothing of the kind — for our 
jfriends were not of that disposition. We had re- 
[peatedly requested our friends, that let the case be as 
it might, there should be no physical defence in our 
behalf. 

Let me here state, that since my release, I have 
been informed that there were men in Licking Co. 
Ohio, who at the time of our arrest, were ready, and 
very eager, to head a company, for the purpose of go- 
ing to Palmyra, demolishing the jail, and effecting 
our rescue. They probably would have advanced 
with the project, but for the disapprobation and oppo- 
sition of my friends in that county — who did what 



1^ JOURNEY TO THE PENITENTIARY. 

they could to discourage any such measures — and told 
them that wc would not come away in such a manner, 
if they should go — and the plan was abandoned. 

I heartily rejoice in having parents, brothers and 
sisters, who would sooner see me lie in prison, than, 
give countenance to any such illegal mobocratic sugi 
gestions of such ferocious, hot-headed friends. 

Our sheriff, John Jordon Montgommery, was £^ 
member of the Presbyterian church in Palmy ra^ 
Though during our confinement in jail, he shunned 
us, now he was obliged to look us in the face with 
shame and blushing. He thought the subject of sla- 
very was a very delicate subject, and was quite reluc- 
tant to talk — but we discussed the question to some 
extent, at various times. He looked upon Dr. Nelson 
as a very bad man — not fit to live! 

I asked, ••' Do you think that what we did, unchris- 
tianized us?" '•' I do," was the bold and unhesitating 
reply. So much for the opinion of a slaveholder as to 
what religion is. This, connected with his views of 
Dr. Nelson, will give the reader a little idea of the 
vast difference, there must be between the religion of 
slaveholders, and that of the Bible. His opinion did 
not at all change our views of the character of our 
conduct. 

In the stage wc read '• Clarke's Promises," " Ma- 
ban's Christian Perfection," and the Testament, 
which tended to keep our minds tranquil, and gave us 
much comfort. Where wc slopped at night, we found 
a large Bible, and as we sat before the fire, in chains, 
the gazing stock of the neighbors who ran together 
to see the sight, we read the thirty-first Psalm. The 
reader will there find some very precious promises, 
upon which our souls laid hold, and were strength- 
ened. 

As we stopped for dinner, the sheriff, i&c, ate be- 
fore us. While thus waiting in a separate room, the 
landlord came and talked quite freely. He began,-T7 



WILLINGNESS TO GO TO JEFFERSON. 129 

" Well, we slaveholders will have a great account to 
render, will we not?" "Yes sir, you will indeed."' 
He acknowledged the evil of slavery — that they 
would be better off without it — it was a curse, &c., 
" but Aoro are we to get clear of it? The evil has 
been entailed on us, and now what can we do?" ••' Let 
the oppressed go free" — '^ break every yoke," and 
'•pay the hirehng his wages." Just stop oppressing 
them — let them go. 

At our next stopping place for the night, Alanson 
left an Emancipator, hoping and praying, that the 
spark might kindle into a flame. We were all fastened 
to one chain — about six feet apart, so that we could 
walk, by all stepping together — and we frequently 
refreshed ourselves by our musical marching step. It 
was very pleasant to be able to walk in this way, after 
being so closely confined to the side of the old jail, so 
long. We felt that God was with us, to comfort and 
support. Into his hands we committed ourselves, and 
our cause, with the unwavering assurance that '^ all 
was n-ell.''' With this confidence we were cheerful 
and happy. The promises were unspeakably sweet 
and precious, on which we feasted. * 

The sherifT would not believe we were satisfied 
with our condition — thought we would run away, 
if we had an opportunity. I told him I was so far 
from going unwillingly, that if I were left alone, I would 
go directly to the Penitentiary, and tell them 1 had 
come as a convict^ to take up my abode with them, for 
twelve years. But this was what slaveholders could 
not believe. It was a spirit of which they knew 
nothing. 

THE SABBATH. 

The morning of the third day, was the Sabbath. 
We remonstrated with the sheriff against traveling, 
but he was unfeeling, and only tried to insult us. 



130 "no more happiness below." 

"You might have attended to jour business, then, 
and staid on your own side of the river." Alanson 
thought we ought to refuse to stir a step — but James 
and myself, said it would be of no avail, they would 
put us in, and take us anyhow — accordingly we made 
use of our own strength, to get in and out of the 
stage. We afterwards regretted so doing — felt we 
did wrong, and sought pardon from God. 

It was a very trying day to our souls, but God in 
great mercy, stood by us. 

SLAVEHOLDERS, AND BIBLE RELIGION, AGAIN. 

As we came in sight of the huge and dismal 
walls, one of the guard, a professor of religion, came, 
and said to us, ••• Your happiness for this world is 
now at an end. You may be happy in a world to 
come, but you will see no more happiness below." 

Reader, see how little slaveholders know of the 
power and excellency of the Gospel. The very first 
principles, are so far from being understood, that he 
vfir^o practices them, and acts out the spirit of religion — 
(which is benevolence, and love to all mankind) — is 
branded as a criminal, and looked upon as having 
iorfeited all right to liberty, and the privileges of the 
gospel — and as utterly incapable of experiencing fur- 
ther peace and happiness on earth! Amazing! 

Of the power of the gospel to support, and cheer, 
in times of trial and darkness, he seemed to have no 
conception ! Poor men ! how they are to be pitied ! 
Northerners, do not censure them too severely. Their 
gross ignorance., calls for the exercise of charity — 
" they know not what they do." 'Tis true they have 
the Bible, but they can't read it intelligently — they 
read it, but they don't understand its meaning — and 
they understand not, because they will not, for their' 
eyes are blinded, and their hearts hardened. 



'^THE ABOLITIONISTS HA\'E COME." 131 

I informed the poor man that my happiness arose 
from a source beyond the reach or power of mortals 
to affect — that it was of such a nature as not to be de- 
stroyed by outward circumstances — and that it was 
not in the power of any man, or body of men, to 
make me unhappy. Thrust me into prison, alHict, 
torture or kill, they could, but still I should be happy, 
so long as my trust was reposed in God. But such doc- 
trine was beyond his comprehension — ^'it was high — 
he could not attain unto it." I hope he may be so for- 
tunate as to be " happy in the world to come" — for 
here, he certainly cannot be happy with such lean, low, 
heathenish views of what religion and happiness are. 
And I suppose that Missourians, are an enlightened 
people, when compared with the great mass of the 
South ! 

THE 3IISSOURI RIVER. 

In the afternoon of the third day, we came to the 
Missouri River, opposite the city of Jefferson, and the 
Penitentiary. A messenger who went over for the 
ferry boat, reported that the abolitionists had come, 
and a multitude crowded the bank to behold the 
sight. 

While waiting on the boat, we read the fourteenth 
chapter of John. Our hearts were comforted, and 
our minds composed by the sweet words, "-I will not 
leave you comfortless," (there in your dungeon,) " I 
will come unto you," &c. We believed the gracious 
words, and rejoiced. 

A large concourse awaited our arrival, on the oppo- 
site bank, that they might meet and welcome to their 
city, those of whom they had heard so much. The 
mass of the male population, old and young, rich and 
poor, bond and free, were there — each one striving 
eagerly to get one view of an abolitionist ! And from 
their running, and gazing, it was evident they expec- 
ted to see something wonderful. 



132 "sheep among wolves." 

So elated were the people at our arrival among 
them, that many followed in our train, while others 
ran before, and on either side, like so many obedient 
servants, rejoicing to show their master honor, or hom- 
age to their king. I think the arrival of the President 
would not have caused greater "joy in that city." 



CHAPTER II. 

THE CHANGE— EXAMINATION— FIRST APPEARANCES. 

A multitude attended us to the prison; and the 
office was crowded, while wc were loosed from our 
chain, stripped, examined, recorded, one side of our 
hair cut close — arrayed in shining colors, and another 
chain put upon each of us! It was a trying time, but 
Jesus said, " Fear not." The Warden was insulting, 
calling us kidnappers, (he had not yet read our letters) 
&c. The overseer stood before us with his great 
knife and pistols, while guard, with muskets, kept the 
door! One might infer from their conduct, that they 
looked upon us as altogether another species of beings. 
But one who was present, afterwards said, " I was 
there, and looked upon you as three lambs led to the 
slaughter." He was anti-slavery, but dare not speak 
out. 

It was now evening — the prisoners had all retired — 
every thing was still, and dark, and dismal, as we 
were conducted to our cell! 

Soon, we were separately brought before the wardens, 
and overseer, in the "guard-room." One of the 
w^ardens was so drunk, he could scarcely sit up — and 
he did the most of the talking. We were "-questioned 
in many things" — and things with which they had no 



PRISON RULES. 133 

business. They wished to know all about the '•'• un- 
der ground rail-road," (but could not get the informa- 
tion) — how many slaves wc had helped away — what 
were the principles of Mission Institute — if abolition 
was not the principal doctrine — if they did not con- 
ceal slaves there — if that was not the object of the 
Institution — what were the doctrines of abolitionists — 
what we had studied, and meant to do, &c., heaping 
upon us opprobrious epithets, and curses — threatening, 
insulting, and trying to frighten us into a confession 
of guilt, with, *■' U you don't acknowledge you are 
guilty, I'll take you down, and give you forty lashes!"' 
at the same time swinging his hickory cane, and sha- 
king it in our faces — his eyes flashing fury. 

We were treated very ungentlemanly — charged 
with lying when we told the simple truth, in the hon- 
esty of our souls; and then threatened with punish- 
ment — denounced as worse than highway robbers, 
cut-throats, or wholesale murderers, and as meaner 
than chicken thieves — threatened with having our 
tongues wired — and other things too vile and rvicked to 
repeat. 

THE RULES. 

1. '"You must not speak to any prisoner, out of 
your cell, nor to each other in your cell." 

2. ^'You must not look up at any visitor — if it is 
your own brother, if you do, I'll flog you." 

3. ''You must always take ofT your cap, when 
speaking to an officer, or when an officer speaks to 
you." 

4. "-You must call no convict 'Mr.'" 

When I was before them, I used the expression, 
"Mr. Burr." "No, no; there are no Mr.s here." 
"Well, brother Burr, then." "No, there are no 
brothers here." "Well, what shall I call him?" 
"Why, JSwrr, in just the roughest way you can speak 



134 A FEW KIND WORDS. 

it." Frequently afterwards, we were checked for ap- 
plying Mr. to a convict. 

With the repetition of these rules, we were threat- 
ened with severe punishment upon the violation of 
them; and charged, "carry yourselves straight." 

We were then locked in our cell for the night; but 
soon the overseer came and spoke very kindly — told 
us what we must do in the morning — what would be 
expected of us, &c. He said, "There are many bad 
men here, but if they behave, they will be treated 
well; for every man here is treated not according to 
his character, but according to his conduct." I asked 
if we could write to our friends. He said, ''Yes, but 
you better not be in a hurry. Wait a little till you 
see how you like the place." He said we could 
write once in two or three months. 1 asked if we 
could keep a journal. '■'■I guess not," was the reply. 
And my journal for the first year and a half, was kept 
on the bed-stead, old boards, and lilank leaves, by 
recording, sometimes a word, sometimes two or three 
words, and sometimes a sentence or two — ^just enough 
to bring the occurrence or scene to my mind — with 
the date. In this way I noted nearly every important 
occurrence or change; and after about three years, 
commenced writing out in full, all that had transpired 
from the time we came to the penitentiary; and from 
that work, written in my prison cell, I now copy — so 
that the reader may, for the most part, in the remain- 
der of this narrative, consider the writer locked in his 
cell; and there, while others were wrapped in slum- 
bers, describing and commenting on the scenes he had 
witnessed. 

THE FIRST NIGHT. 

That evening, (the first,) was a trying time to our 
sonis — our faith — our constancy; but our God, on 
whom we liad lesuaed^ in whom we had trusted, and to 



CONDUCT OF THE DRUNKEN WARDEN. 135 

•whom we committed our cause, did not leave us wholly 
to ourselves — otherwise '•'•our feet had slipped, and 
we had sunk beneath the deep waters,'' — but even 
then, we could lift the heart to heaven for support, 
for faith, for Christian boldness. And when '•'we 
cried unto the Lord, He heard and delivered us from 
our fears." 1 believe Alanson and James stood the 
shock with more composure of mind than I did, 
and were enabled to speak with more boldness; but 
even my weak heart was enabled to look upward, 
trust in God, and roll my cares upon Him. It was 
indeed a squally time — the clouds were very dark, 
and our prospects gloomy enough. Doubtless we 
"should have perished in our affliction, unless God's 
word had been our delight." But glory to his name, 
faith pierced the dense darkness, and showed us a 
Father's hand behind. It opened our ears to hear a 
Savior's voice, saying, "I will surely do you good" — • 
"Be strong, and of good courage" — ''No man shall 
set upon you to do you hurt." 

We laid us down to sleep, but were suffered to in- 
dulge ourselves but little in such enjoyment, being 
awakened and disturbed by the shrieks, and groans, 
and pleadings of our fellow prisoners, in the guard 
room adjoining our cell. Capt. WilHam Burch, the 
drunken warden, had come in from his revels, toward 
midnight; he dragged the sufferers from their beds 
— it being of little consequence with him whether 
they were guilty of any misdemeanor or not — 
and was giving vent to his cruelty by putting them to 
the torture. To hear them scream, and ?ee them 
writhe and smart under the strap, or the paddle, was 
to him a rich and sumptuous feast. 

And such things were repeated night after night, 
for hours together. Sometimes the whole evening, 
and then the hours of midnight, and then again before 
the morning dawn, would be thus occupied, driving 
slumber far from us, and almost making our hair 



136 



MUSIC OF CHAINS. 



Stand erect on our heads, while we lay in suspense, 
expecting every moment that our turn would come 
next. But the good hand of our God saved us from 
their hellish madness. 

In the midst of these fears and alarms, it was sweet 
to go to the mercy seat, and pour out our hearts be- 
fore the Lord, cast ourselves upon the promises, and 
invoke his merciful protection. 

THE FIRST MORNING. 

As the prisoners were all in their cells, when we were 
brought in, we knew nothing of the appearance and 
sound of things, till we were aroused by the rattling 
of bolts and locks, the slamming of iron doors, with a 
dismal, hollow sound, as it echoed through the hall, 
and the music of chains, as of a multitude of oxen 
walking over a bridge with large chains hanging from 
their yokes! Strange sounds were these to us, and the 
conviction that they were produced by human beings 
almost startled us. But still more were we shocked 
when with our eyes we beheld the scene. O, it was 
heart-rending! Out of upwards of ninety, the majority 
were in chains — some with one, fastened to the ancle, 
and suspended from the loins — some with two, one on 
each leg, and suspended in the same manner; and 
others with large fetters on the feet, beside two heavy 
chains, one on either side, obliging them to take very 
short steps. We also, with ours, contributed to the 
harmony. 

Soon it was generally known that the " Three 
Preachers,'' (this was the name by which we were des- 
ignated for a long time, by prisoners and citizens,) had 
come; and it was truly amusing to see how eagerly 
every eye was turned upon us, with a gaze that refused 
to be satisfied. They had learned all about us, by the 
horse thief mentioned in part first, who came a month 
or so before us; and also by the newspapers, which 
contained our letters, and other things respecting us. . 



OUR CELL. 



13: 



That day we remained in oar cell the most of the 
time, but were allowed to walkabout the yard in the 
afternoon, by ourselves. As we looked at each other 
with our striped clothes, and cap, and sheared heads, 
we could not refrain from laughing heartily, and re- 
marking, "Well, you make a pretty good looking con- 
vict." 

OUR CELL. 

We were all allowed to be in one cell. This was a 
great mercy. Had we been separated and scattered 
among the wicked, I know not what would have be- 
come of us. But God knew our weakness, and need 
of each other's help, and in his great compassion, con- 
strained these wicked men, to treat us, in this respect, 
kindly, beyond our most sanguine hopes. 

What was their motive, I cannot say. We attrib- 
ute it all to the hand of God. They may have thus 
kept us together, to keep us from contaminating the 
other prisoners, with our principles — for according 
to their charges, the principles of a highway-man, or 
wholesale pirate, were harmless compared with ours. 
Be that as it may, we felt very thankful to God for 
this peculiar expression of His favor towards us. 
There being such a very bitter spirit against us, and 
our principles, we should have supposed they would 
be eager to do all they could to keep us apart, if per- 
chance they might overcome us single-handed, and 
get us to reform, and renounce our errors. But God 
suffered it not; and blessed be his name. 

Our cell is twelve feet by eight — arched — brick and 
plastered — a window, on hinges, in the corner at the 
top, defended by two large iron bars — an iron door, 
about four feet by twenty-two inches, with a thick 
wooden door on the outside. When we went into it, 
there were two beds — one double, and one single one. 
The covering of the double bed, consisted of two 
small, very poor, and thin Indian blankets, under which 



138 CONVENIENT EXCHANGE. 

Alanson and myself, tried to sleep; but the cold would 
frequently so molest us, that we could sleep but little, 
the whole night. Tiiey were both too thin, short, and 
narrow — but these, or nothing. The covering of 
James' bed, was one Indian blanket, too short at both 
ends — In which he would wrap himself, and shiver 
away the lingering hours, till called again to his task. 
At work we could keep warm. 

After a time, James obtained permission, and fixed 
the double bedstead wide enough for us all. In this 
way we fared a little better — for we could take turns 
getting into the middle. If an outside one was becomr 
ing frost-bitten, we only had to request the middle one 
to exchange places awhile; and we were ever ready to 
oblige and accommodate— for each knew how to sym- 
pathize with the other. So far from murmuring, we 
had great cause for thankfulness — for many were in 
a worse condition than we. 

THE ILLUMINATED CELL. 

1 I've often heard of prison cells, 

And dreary things, supposed they were : 
Where gloom, where darkness, only dwells. 
To fill the pris'ner with despair. 

2 And such ihey are, to carnal hearts. 
Who have no Savior, and no God — 
The day rolls slow — the night departs, 
And leaves them still, a drear abode. 

3 But glory to the eternal King, 
Who brought me to this little cell: 
Sweet pleasure here I find can spring, 
For here my God delights to dwell. 

4 A hallowed, consecrated place — 
A bethel, is my little cell. 

The heavenly Dove, descends with grace. 
And blessings, more than tongue can tell. 



PRISON FOOD. 139 

5 The Father, and the Son, come down, 
And with me, make their blest abode: 
Not all the honors of a crown. 
Equal the presence of my God. 

6 He sups with me, and I with Him — 
He feasts my soul with heavenly love — 
And while 1 eat my food so plain, 

He pours the manna from above. 

7 Not king, nor prince, finds such delight, 
With all his daily sumptuous fare, 

As I, within my cell, at night. 

When breathing out my humble prayer. 

8 These iron doors, and bricken walls 
Do fail to keep my Savior out — 
He comes, and listens to my calls — 

Says, "Peace to thee, my child — fear not." 

9 In peace, I lay me down to rest, 
while angels hover o'er my head: 

And while with welcome slumbers blest. 
They keep their stations round my bed. 

10. When morning gilds the Eastern sky, 
I early rise to sing and pray: 
My Savior still I find is nigh. 
Who never leaves me, night or day. 

11 Let nionarchs have their wide domain — 
And men of state in mansions dwell — 
Let worldlings shining dust obtain, 
But give me Jesus and my cell. 

OUR FOOD. 

All went to their cells to eat — their food being 
brought to them by the cook. We had " bread and 
flesh in the morning," and at noon; at night, "bread 
and water." Now and then beans, or some vegeta- 
bles for dinner. Our bread was cold, hard, heavy 



140 "better than a stalled ox." 

corn bread — our meat, generally bacon — which we 
had to eat with our fingers — no knives nor forks were 
allowed. 

From April to November, we worked from one to 
three hours before eating breakfast, which gave us a 
hearty appetite for our corn bread and bacon. Du- 
ring the rest of the year, we generally ate before it 
was hght, so as to be ready to work as soon as we 
could s'ee. And I am sure it would have put to the 
test the delicate tastes and stomachs of many who 
have been accustomed to their dantics — yea, and of 
many of the hardy farmers too. Imagine a man locked 
up in a dark room, and his victuals brought to him — 
he knows not what, nor how prepared — whether clean 
or dirty. Imagine hog's ears and feet half cleaned — 
eyes, hearts, livers, galls and lights — many times quite 
otfensive to the smelt — and all these to be separated and 
divided by the fingers and teeth, in the dark — and a 
pretty good idea may be had of the poor prison- 
ers' manner of hving for weeks and months together. 
This is no fiction. We know it to have been a reality. 
And yet this, with contentment, and the blessing of 
the Lord, was '■'• better than a stalled ox, and ha- 
tred therewith" — For " a little that a righteous man 
hath is better than the riches of many wicked." And 
feeling, as we did, that it was the good and wise prov- 
idence of God that placed us here, and that the same 
kind hand ordered all our circumstances — meted out 
to us what we should eat, and vvdiat we should wear, 
we received it as from heaven, with thankfulness, con- 
tentment, and love. But let it not be inferred that 
such has been constantly our kind of living. By no 
means. Though there have been times when we 
have gone for days without being able to get even a 
piece of corn bread — living on little, bitter, cold, po- 
tatoes, and fat, or stale bacon; yet, in general., our 
food has been sweet, wholesome, and not unpalatable 
to us — though many complained, and were continually 



WORKING JOURNAL &C. 141 

finding fault with the living. The fact was, they did 
not like prison life. 

For this coarse fare we were prepared, by previous 
discipline while at liberty; so that the change affect- 
ed us but little, in comparison with the other prison- 
ers. Many who have iDcen accustomed to the dain- 
ties and luxuries of life were immediately taken with 
diarrhea, loss of appetite, and were sick much of their 
time. Thanks to heaven for our Mission Institute 
training in this respect. 

WORKING. 

In the course of two or three days we had commenc- 
fi ed our twelve years' task for the suffering and down- 
" trodden. Alanson was put at the chair business, 
which was his steady employ for fifteen months — ex- 
cept that he stocked now and then a pistol or gun, or 
did some other occasional job. James went at his 
trade, carpentering, worked mostly inside the walls 
— but also in the city considerably, building and fin- 
' ! ishing houses. 

' j I was first put in the brick yard — assisted in setting 
■ 1 and burning a kiln. 

JOURNAL. 

, '-Thus we were now "under way," had fairly com- 
H menced our onset upon the Arch-Monster^ feeling that 
^V| every blow we struck fell directly at the roots of the 
*^ great American Upas tree — at the foundation of the 
^'"il Pedestal — the vitals of the Goddess — the life oi slave- 
"" I ry. With this confidence, we worked with light hearts 
'^^l and willing hands." 

nni In the course of two or three weeks, I was sent to 
P'jithe city, to work with the masons; was thus engaged 
* jfor about a month, building ice-houses, brick dwellings 
l&c, sometimes carrying brick or mortar, then laying 



142 VARIOUS KINDS OF WORK. 

brick or stone. It was pleasant to be al/owcd to work 
after so long confinement. It seemed to brace up our 
systems, very much. 

When it became too cold to work at brick and mor- 
tar, I went to chopping. A company of us, perhaps 
twelve or sixteen, went about three miles — took our 
dinner with us, and returned at night. Chopping wood 
and spHtting rails was hard, but pleasant work. It 
was an exercise to which I was well accustomed, and 
in which I took delight. 

I also worked in December, in the city again, lathing a 
large building. At one time, I was cutting up corn ; then 
at the stone quarry ; then following the wheel-barrow — 
was at this and the other — hither and thither, till Feb- 
ruary, at which time I was put at the turning business, 
and followed it mostly, for upwards of one year. At 
intervals, 1 was working with the masons, then with 
the carpenters — bottoming chairs, &c., «fec. 

My principle was to learn all I could, in every kind 
of work I engaged in, feeling that it could not injure, 
but might be of much use to me. 

When we thus worked outside of the walls we were 
accompanied by a guard of from one to four men, (ac- 
cording to our number,) with pistols and muskets, 
who were sworn to shoot the first man that attempted 
to run away; but of their powder and balls we had no ill 
fear, for w^c gave them plainly to understand, that as^Ji 
we had been openly thrust into prison, we should not( 
leave them until we were permitted to depart in the A 
same manner. || 

THE FIRST SABBATH. 

In the morning we were let out, as usual, and afterBiji 
washing, «fec., we were locked up again in our cell,ft(j| 
where we spent most of the day, having one Biblelijj 
among us. During the morning the overseer came|lifir 
round to each cell, examined our clothes, enquired i) 



PREACHING. 113 

we had enough to eat, generally, &c. Then, soon the 
washman came around, and brought the clean shirts 
and other clothes if any were needed. 

In the afternoon, the cells were all opened, above 
and below, and every man took his seat (on his stool,) 
in front of his cell, for preaching. It was a singular- 
ly looking congregation, indeed. Some had their caps 
on, and blankets wrapped round them; some, with on- 
ly pantaloons and shirt on, others warmly clad, and 
many loaded down with chains, while a man, with his 
musket, stood to guard us ! 

In time of prayer, all kneeled. The minister (an 
Episcopalian,) stood at the far end of the hall, above, 
where he could see the most of his hearers, and 
preached a short but good discourse. To us it was a 
rich feast, having been so long from the sanctuary; 
for, as bodily hunger makes palatable the coarsest 
food, so spiritual hunger gives a relish and sweetness 
to the most common instruction, which to the satiated, 
would be very insipid. 

Our chaplain was not hired, his services were vol- 
unteered; he usually came once in two or three weeks 
—^sometimes only once in six weeks, and once we were 
about four months without any preaching. 

The prisoners generally sung, and gave good atten- 
tion. They were pleased to hear preaching for a 
number of reasons. 

ist. It was a change to them, and helped to wear 
aw^y the Sabbath's lingering hours, for the most of 
them had no book, and the Sabbath to them was a te- 
dious day. 

2d. They looked upon the minister as a. friend^ and 
one who sought their good, while the officers and vis- 
jiters were viewed with abhorrence, as those who on- 
rctiJ^J delighted themselves in their misery and disgrace. 
jbll 3d. They frequently would gain some intelligence 
^^J\^{ what was going on, outside. 



144 SECOND SABBATH. 

4th. The sermon would afford them matter to talk 
about, and to many, the ideas were altogether new, 
while others would listen to lind something at which 
to cavil and mock. A few gave attention, to gain in- 
struction in the way of duty, and the precepts of the 
Bible. 

OUR SECOND SABBATH. 

It was a trying one. In the morning, while we were 
eating breakfast, the overseer came and called James 
and myself out of our cell — for what we knew not — 
but followed our kec|)er, and were taken outside with 
a company, and marched towards the brick-kiln, which 
was then burning. I then saw what was wanted, but 
knowing the desperate character of our drunken Ward- 
en, we did not feel it duty, at that time, to stop, and 
refuse to go further. We knew also, that it was a gen- 
erally received opinion, that a brick-kiln could not be 
burned, without encroaching on the Sabbath — we knew 
no better, and supposing that some must be thus occu- 
pied, we made up our minds to go forward, and spend 
the day as profitably as we could. I had with me, my 
little "• heavenly manna,*' upon which my soul feasted, 
nor was the '■'■ lyicrcy seat'"' barred against us in these un- 
pleasant circumstances. Jesus, to our complaints gave 
audience, and said, " Fear not, thou shalt not be burn- ■ 
ed," — " I am with thee." 

In the afternoon, the Chaplain passed by, on his 
way to the prison, to preach, but none of our compa- 
ny could go. This is the only time that either of us 
has been called on to work on the Sabbath, thbugh 
many are obliged to labor on that day. 

With regard to burning brick-kilns on the Sabbath, 
we saw it proved again and again, that there is no need 
of taking one moment of the Sabbath for this purpose. 
Scarcely a kiln has here been burned more than tive 



BURNING BRICK KILNS. 145 

or six days. They generally put fire in, about Friday 
or Saturday, and stop about Wednesday or Thursday 
of the next week, occupying universally less than 
a week; so that a kiln may easily be sufficiently 
burned between one o'clock, A. M., Monday, and 
eleven P. M. Saturday, if time is improved. 

We observed that it took a little over five days, to 
burn the one at which we assisted. Learning that 
fact, we should not have consented to burn another on 
the sabbath upon any condition, or for any consequences. 

Before I advance further, let me give the reader a 
concise view of the characters under whom we were 
placed, and by whom surrounded — that thus our cir- 
cumstances may be better understood. 

CHARACTER OF OFFICERS (PREVIOUS TO FEB. 1843.) 

Already, I have given a broad hint^ as to this, but 
will specify further. 

The Wardens were both ungodly men — awfully 
profane — very blasphemous, and regardless of the 
temporal and eternal welfare of the prisoner. Oaths 
and curses seemed to be almost as natural to them, as 
their breath, and yet they pretended to disallow swear- 
ing in a convict, and said they would punish for so do- 
ing. What consistency! 

They had no regard for the Sabbath, During the 
Summer season, scarcely a Sabbath passed, but the 
brick yard hands, and others were ordered out to work, 
a portion of the day. Also witiiin the walls, there 
was noise, pounding, and confusion. 

Though our minister came so seldom, yet even then 
it was often the case that twenty or thirty hands were 
outside at work, till meeting was through. \{ he wish- 
ed to preach to those not at work, well and good, but 
if he was not satisfied with this he must stay away. 

One. evening, a man sat in the chair shop reading 
"Clarke's Promises," which James had lent him, Capt. 
9 



146 CHARACTER OF OFFICERS. 

Burch came in. "What book is that?" ^"-A prayer- 
book." "It's no place here to say your prayers, you 
should have said them before you came here." At 
another time, an old man — unwell — was sitting by the 
stove, unoccupied, and I gave him " Mahan's Christian 
Perfection" to read. Soon Capt. Burch came into 
the shop. "Ah I you've got a reading school here, 
have you?" and took the book from him. "-Whose 
book is this?" "Thompson's, Is there any harm in 
it?" "'It is not for every one to read," said he, and 
looked at me, with a fiery savageness that seemed to 
say, "You better take care how you lend your books 
to other prisoners," but he uttered nothing. Turning to 
James, he said,"Here, Burr, take that book, and keep it." 
One evening I had finished my work, and was sit- 
ting by the light reading my Testament. Capt. Gordon 
came along. "Have you nothing to do but read?" "I 
have finished my work, sir." "Well, when you have 
nothing else to do but read, go to your cell!" At oth- 
er times, James and I have been ordered to put up 
our books, when we have been reading our Testa- 
ment or Promises, going to and from work — walk- 
ing correctlj in our place. Suflice it to say, " They 
feared not God, nor regarded man;" but took great 
satisfaction in doing what they could to degrade, and 
unman those in their power. The guards for the 
most part, were wicked, profane, dissolute men, and 
these were the men placed over others to reform them. 

CHARACTER OF PRISONERS. 

Undoubtedly, a few have been sent here unjustly, 
by perjured witnesses, but the majority are bad men. 
Here are collected the licentious, debauched, profane, 
thieves, perjured, counterfeiters, gamblers, high-way- 
men, drunkards, burglars, liars, vagabonds, infidels, 
scoffers, gospel-hardened, man-slaughterers, rakes, sab- 
bath breakers, murderers, antl, nnd pro-slavery men, &c. 



CHARACTER OP PRISONERS. 147 

— from the youth of sixteen up to the hoary head of 
sixty-two years — under sentences of from two to 
ninety-nine years. 

Some aclcnowledge the truth, and pay respect to it, 
while the multitude treat it with carelessness and con- 
tempt. Of the most it may in truth be said, '"Whose 
God is their belly, who glory in their shame, and who 
mind earthly things," " having the understanding dark- 
ened, being alienated from the life of God, through the 
ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of 
their heart. Who beingyi?Qs^yee/m^,have given them- 
selves over unto lasciviousness, to work all unclean- 
ness with greediness.''' " Having eyes full of adultery, 
and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable 
souls; a heart have they exercised with covetous prac- 
tices, cursed children, which have forsaken the right 
way, and gone astray;" ""counting it pleasure to riot 
in the day time. Spots and blemishes, sporting them- 
selves with their own deceivings" — "as natural brute 
beasts made to be taken and destroyed — who speak 
evil of the things they understand not; and shall utter- 
ly perish in their own corruption." "These are murmur- 
crs, complainers, who walk after their own lusts," — 
" raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own 
shame — wandering stars, for whom is reserved the 
blackness of darkness forever," — " having no hope, 
and without God in the world." 

With such characters we have been obliged to as- 
sociate, to work, to eat, and by such influences have 
we been surrounded. What, but the grace of God 
could have preserved us, and can yet keep us from 
being contaminated, corrupted, consumed ? Truly, had 
it not been for ^ the form of the Fourth with us," long 
before this we should have been devoured by the 
raging flames of corruption, into which we have been 
thrust. The hrfhd of the "Angel" has been manifest 
at every step of our way, from the first to the last; 
the path has grown brighter and brighter; and many 



148 METHOD OF FLOGGING. 

have been the wonderful deliverances from evil — some 
of which I shall mention in their places. Enough has 
been said to give a tolerable idea of our situation, for 
more than a year. In the midst of such darkness we 
felt ourselves called upon to shine as lights — to walk 
circumspectly and humbly with God. 

FLOGGING. 

When Bro, Edward Turner was talking with us at 
our jail window, about coming to the penitentiary, he 
remarked that we would probably find Missourians 
semi-barbarians. We have found the saying fully 
verified. As our cell was next to the guard room, we 
could hear the charges, the threats, the curses, the 
rage of the officers, and the blows they inflicted. 
We could hear the cries and groans of the poor suf- 
ferers. 

Flogging was very frequent during the time of Gor- 
den and Burch — though the worst of it was before we 
came — yet afterwards it was awful enough. 

For trifles, and often for nothing, men were called 
up, and received ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, one 
hundred, or more strokes, with the strap or paddle. 
The suiferer had his hands tied together, and placed 
between his legs, where they were held by a broom- 
stick or cane, passing through behind the knees. 
Thus, lying on his side, stripped to his skin, he re- 
ceived the strokes. To get up, or straighten himself, 
was impossible, until the inqusitor drew the stick from 
between his arms. 

The strap was of thick leather, about one inch 
wide, and two feet long, sometimes tied to a short 
handle. It did not break the skin, but bruised and 
mashed it till it turned black and blue. The paddle 
Avas a board about two feet long, six inches wide, one 
end shaved to a handle, the other bored full of holes, 
every one of which would raise a blood-blister where 
it struck the flesh. It was very severe. The reader 



UNMERCIFUL PUNISHMENTS. 149 

probably is aware that this is a common instrument 
of torture among the slaveholders. One man was so 
dreadfully mangled that his flesh matteratcd and putri- 
fied, and became so bad that he was under the Doc- 
tors hands for some time, and was unable to sit down. 
1 believe his charge was an intention or agreement to 
run away, though he did not make the attempt. 

Often, two, three, or more, would be flogged every 
night, week after week, month after month. Some- 
times the whole day would thus be occupied. The 
greatest rascals, and those who could lie the most 
smoothly, generally came off with the lightest inflic- 
tion. Many a time have we heard the scream of 
"Murder, murder! O, have mercy — have mercy — 
do, do have mercy !" — and the reply, "Stop your noise, 
or ril kill you." Many times, when they could not 
make them cry out or beg, they would then whip 
them for that. "• You stubborn rascal, I'll see if I 
can't make you holler;'''' and the instrument would be 
applied again. Whip them because they do scream, 
and whip them because they won't — that's the way! 

Thus we were obliged to hear the storming and 
profanity of a drunken fiend, connected with the 
yells, shrieks, and cries for mercy, of our fellow pris- 
oners: and thus we were frequently disturbed, when 
on our knees in prayer to God! Often wc would be 
compelled to stop praying till the noise was over. It 
was almost enough to make our blood run cold, to lis- 
ten; but hear it we must. Frequently, Burch would 
come in at ten or twelve o'clock at night, drunk, and 
satiate his hellish appetite, by ordering up some one 
or more, for nothing, and putting them to the tor- 
ture. 

No doubt men often deserved correction, but there 
was no mercy for many who suffered very unjustly 
" There was no flesh in his hard heart. It did not 
feel for man." But these days are past. And O 
what a scene will the judgment bring to light! 



150 PRAYER IN THE CELL. 

For a week or more, at the first, we felt such a re- 
straint, from the exceeding strictness of the rules, that 
we only prayed in secret, and talked but Kttle. Gain- 
ing a little more strength and boldness, we ventured 
to pray together, in a whisper, which continued for 
some time — though a whisper would not sufSce, fre- 
quently, to give vent to our full souls. We ventured 
to converse more freely, though at the risk of being 
punished — for we could easily be heard in the guard 
room, where they slept — or in the hall, where they ' 
were frequently walking, even if but a slight noise was 
made. But becoming i^orc bold still, our evening; 
prayers were uttered aloud, so that we " prayed, and 
sang praises, and the prisoners heard us." It was a 
very frequent thing for the guard, and others, to col- 
lect under our window to hear us sing and pray — 
whether from a desire to overhear something, of which. 
they might make complaint, or from other motives, we 
know not. But from that time, and onward, we poured! 
forth our souls, without much restraint — for ourselves, 
our fellow prisoners, our officers, the slave, the church, 
the world. And I have often wondered, why we were- 
not called up, for our conversation, or our prayers — 
but the mystery is all solved, by one expression, "• /f 
is the Lord.'" His restraining hand alone held them 
back, and by his hook, lie led them. 

We spent much of our long winter evenings, (when 
not at work) but especially sabbath evenings, in 
"singing the Lord's song in this strange land." In 
this delightful exercise we were not forbidden to in- 
dulge. While Alanson and James, were at work 
evenings, (before I commenced night work,) I feastedi 
my soul, ''in psalms, and hymns^ and spiritual songs^ 
singing, and making melody in my heart, unto the 
Lord." When the moori shone brightly, I improved! 
my time in reading by my heavenly Father's candle — 
so holding my book, ag to catch the reflection from the 
wall. This was a rich feast. T<& do. it I woiiJd oftea i 



THE FIRST PENITENTIARY LETTER. 151 

have to stand on my bed, stretched, and leanings in 
order to get to the place, where it shone on the wall — 
but it was sweet. Why was it so sweet to read a few 
words? Why? Why is bread sweet to a hard work- 
ing man, at night, when he has toiled all day without 
any food? Reader, if you '••know not the heart" of 
a prisoner — of a convict, perhaps you cannot under- 
stand this — but go into Missouri, try to help a slave, 
be taken, and locked up in a prison — forced to toil 
from light till dark — and you will comprehend why it 
was so sweet to us to read a few words in the Bible. 
We carried our little books in our pockets, and read 
them, by the way, while at our dinner, and when we 
had a few moments leisure from our work — much of 
the time my Testament lay pressed to my heart. 



THE riRST PENITENTIARY LETTER. 

On the 18th of October, Alanson wrote to his wife, 
^giving an account of our circumstances, feelings, &c. 
((This letter — as also all of Alanson's — has been lost, so 
that the reader cannot be entertained therewith.) 
There Is a very singular circumstance connected with 
dt. He gave, the letter to the officers, as was his duty 
to dou But it was not mailed till the twenty-seventh 
•of Novem'oer, more than five weeks after he gave it to 
them! And probably they would not have sent it 
then, had not God quickened their memories a httle, by 
>burning down the large centre building. The letter 
.was mailed the very next day. They were withhold- 
ing from the "widow and fatherless," that comfort 
they much needed, and which they were anxiously 
waiting for—'-' the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him." 
And He has promised to hear the "■ widow and father- 
less" when they cry unto Him, and to plead their 
cause, with their enemies. Take care, how you 
lay oppressive hands on God's poor! 



15'2 FIRST PRISON LETTER EXTANT. 

I had many times asked for paper, to write a letter 
home. About the last of October, I obtained it, and 
wrote. Extracts will show my feelings at that time, 
better than thej can now be described. 

THE LETTER. 

Jefferson, Oct. 30, 1841. 

Much Beloved Parents: 

Through the great goodness of God, I 
still enjoy the privilege of addressing you. And al- 
though I write under circumstances peculiar — under 
such as I never before addressed you — trying to the 
soul, and to our confidence in our Redeemer — and 
which, no doubt have caused you many moments of 
anxious solicitude, and painful reflections — yet / am 
happy in my Savior. 'And though my outward man 
perish, my inward man is renewed, day by day.' I 
rejoice that I can yet endeavor to administer comfort 
to your aching hearts: and to prevent your "gray 
hairs from coming down with sorrow to the grave." I 
am contented and happy, I came here cheerfully, and 
shall remain contentedly. I have no desire to leave 
till the f.ct time. The hours and days pass rapidly 
away. They seem very short. 

Dear father, for a number of years past, you have 
denied yourself, and worked hard to help me a little. 
Should I remain here twelve years, and have my health 
1 can support r)iyself., and save you that expense, or 
you can give it to others who need it. 

Should I here be sick, I shall be taken care of. I 
am in the hands of the Great Physician, "who knoweth 
my frame" — " who healeth all our diseases." He ''will 
strengthen me upon the bed of languishing, and make 
all my bed in my sickness." "He doth not afflict will- 
ingly, nor grieve the children of men" — but "for our 
;;/-o//i," «fec. Then do not be anxious about me. He 
is more tender than earthly parents can be, and better 
knows our wants than earthly physicians. 



FIRST PRISON LETTER EXTANT. 153 

Dear mother, do not let my circumstances make you 
unhappy. Go to Jesus, " casting your care on Him — 
He will sustain you." Do not feel that George is 
wretched, being deprived of the comforts which you 
enjoy — for I have all the comforts of life that I need. 
Whenever you think about your son, for whom you 
have toiled, and exercised so much care and anxiety — 
of whom you have had high hopes, that he would be 
useful and cause you much pleasure in your declining 
years, I want you to feel that he is happy. If in this 
world, happy in every situation, for " 1 have learned, 
in zvhatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." If 
in the world to come, still happy, and ^'rejoicing in God 
with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." 

Dear parents, let the words of God to Abraham, 
come to your hearts as from a wise and faithful Father, 
^ Let it not be grievous in thy sight concerning the 
lad." Though you cannot see the why, believe. Let 
faith show you the hand of God ; and may you be able 
to say with Laban and Bethuel, "The thing proceedeth 
from the Lord" — and if from Him, then surely we 
should not repine, but rejoice. Do not feel that '^all 
these things are against you" — but "trust in the Lord, 
and wait patiently for Him," and soon you shall see 
wise reasons for so doing. Rest down upon the 
promises. 

We truly live in a changeable world, and God's 
^'- ways are not our ways." When my mother brought 
me forth, and nursed me in her arms, spent anxious 
days and sleepless nights watching over me, instructed 
and corrected me, led me to the house of God and the 
Sabbath school, and did what she could to make me 
happy and useful — when she saw me growing up, and 
• her hopes centered more and more upon me — when 
she saw me renounce my sins, and choose the Lord 
for my portion — when she heard me in the prayer- 
meeting, and listened to my voice at the family altar 
— when she read my letters from a far distant land, 



154 FIRST PRISON LETTER EXTANT. 

little did she think that she had brought forth, and 
was training a son for the Penitentiary ! 

When my father held me in his arms, to be baptiz- 
ed into " the name of the Father, of the Son, and of 
the Holy Ghost," — when he dandled me on his knees, 
as I ran to his embrace, after his return from labor — 
when he taught me to work, sent me to school- — work- 
ed hard to feed and clothe me — when he corrected 
me for my faults, and I began to be a help to him — 
yea, when he rejoiced to see me turn my mind to the 
subject of preaching the gospel, and leave the pater- 
nal roof, to prepare for that work, little did the thought 
possess his mind that he should soon hear of George 
being in the Penitentiary! Yet such is the case. / 
am here. 

And, dear parents, had you thought in what a sin- 
ful world we live, when you baptized, instructed, and 
prayed for me — when you saw me bow to Jesus, and 
leave my lovely home, to prepare to preach Christ, 
among the heathen, and had you recollected the words 
which the Savior spoke, while on earth you might 
have thought that such a thing was possible . 

Yea, considering such passages as the following, it 
would have seemed very probable. Matt, v: 11, 12; 
x: 17-25; Jno. xv: 19, 20; 1 Cor. iv: 11-13; Mk. viii: 
35; x: 29, 30; Jno. xvi: 2, 33; Rev.ii: 10; Acts xiv: 
22; 2 Cor. vi: 4, 5; xi: 23-27; 2 Tim. ii: 12; iii: 
12; 1 Pet. ii: 19-21; iii: 14-17; iv: 12-19. 

Please read these and let your minds be quiet. 
We "• know not what a day may bring forth," nor 
should we be anxious. The apostle has said, " be 
careful for nothing," &c. I pray that you may receive 
all the comforts and consolations of the gospel; " cast 
your burden on the Lord and be sustained." I know, 
dear parents, it must be trying to your faith, but read 
James i: 2-4; 1 Pet. i: 5-9; Rom.v: 3-5; Heb. xii: 
0-13. 



KEMOVAL OF CHAINS. 155 

How often have you punished me when it was pain- 
ful to the flesh; and I perhaps fretted and cried about 
it, thinking it was very hard thus to be whipped, yet 
you saw that I needed it, and you did it in kindness 
and love to me, and for my good — and now I thank 
you for the same. '■'Shall wc not much rather be in 
subjection to the Father of spirits and live?" He de- 
sires our good infinitely more than we do, and knows 
just how to bring it about. He will do nothing to in- 
jure, but all He can to benefit us. " Now the just shall 
live by faith." What then if we cannot sec the reason 
of all God's dealings, yet let us have faith in his wis- 
dom. Did you always give a reason to your little, ig- 
norant, inexperienced children for all you did? So 
our heavenly Father docs not always now give us the 
reason — the why — but He has said, ^ What thou know- 
est not now thou shalt know hereafter," and this should 
satisfy us. 

I hope my brothers and sisters will profit by this 
providence. Tell them, from me, that if they were 
once deprived of the privileges of the sanctuary, as I 
am, they would feel the importance of improving them. 

For your comfort read Ps. xxxiv: 7-10; xxxvii: 3- 
7; xU: 1-3; xlvi: 1-3; Ixxxiv: 11-12; xci: 1-16; cxviii: 
5-9; Prov. xii:21; xvi: 3; xviii: 10; xxviii: 25; xxix: 
25; Is. xliii: 2, 3; Job v: 17-27; Jer. xvii; 7, 8; Rom. 
viii: 28; Phil. 4: 4-7, 13, 19. Just believe that God 
means what He says in these and all the promises, and 
you shall be kept in peace. 

Your son, 

George." 

chains off. 

After we had been here just one month, Alanson 
and James were called into the guard room, on the 
evening of the third of November, and their chains cut 
off. Capt. Gorden was present, and spoke kindly. 
He asked Alanson about his family; whether they had 



156 CONVBRSATION WITH CAPT. G. 

any property; how he thought they would get along, 
&c. A. replied — "I think the people of Missouri 
will not keep me here twelve years, as I have injured 
no one." " But you intended to, or would have done 
it, had you succeeded. I have no fault to find with 
your conduct. There are many bad men here, and 
you will need to be careful," &lc. 

To James he said, "-^ I know that slavery is wrong, 
but it was entailed on us by our forefathers, and we 
can't help it. We would be as glad as any body to 
get rid of.it, but we know not how. I have no doubt 
that you were honest in what you did; and there are 
thousands, the same way, who are good men, they 
mean no harm, but they are abolitionists. But would 
you not think it harm for a man to steal your bench 
planes? Would it not be wrong?" James replied, "I 
do not look upon a slave as a set of tools, of bench 
planes — as a chattel — he is a 3ian." "• Would you run 
away?" '•'•No. I will not go without an honorable 
discharge." '■'I have been watching you since you 
ceime, and I am. satisfied wath you. I have no fault to 
find with your conduct. You have conducted your- 
self like a man," &c. 

Capt. G. is a slave-holder. His is only another evi- 
dence of the dishonesty and heartlessness of slave- 
holders, when they say " they wish to get rid of sla- 
very as much as any one," — ""know not how," and yet 
perseveringly refuse to hear or read on the subject. 

THE RUNAWAYS. 

About the first of November, as I was walking home 
from the chopping, about three miles distant, with 
twelve or twenty others, in double file, with a guard 
before, and two behind, with their muskets, two of 
the hands, as we were passing a thicket, dropped 
their axes, and suddenly broke into the woods, bound- 
ing through the thicket with almost incredible swift- 



READING. 157 

ncss. Each had on a chain, but the thoughts of liberty 
made them light and nimble. Both were in danger of 
being shot, but the love of liberty nerved them to risk 
even their lives. The sensations produced in my mind 
cannot be described by words. One was wounded 
and taken; the other escaped. That evening the 
wounded man was punished very severely, and another 
heavy chain put on him. 

As we started to come home the next night, an old 
guard, a professor of religion, said to us, "-'Now boys, the 
first man that breaks the ranks, I swear by my Maker, 
I'll drop him dead." But he had no opportunity to 
glut his blood-thirsty appetite. While going to and 
from work, I read my Testament, or "Manna." One 
day I worked at the Quarry, loading waggons. There 
were about five of us, and a guard. We had our fire, 
and nothing to do, more than half the time. I had 
my Testament in which I was reading, by the side ot 
a rock, when one said to me, "-Come here to the fire, 
and read to us." So I went and preached to them 
awhile. But it being not a very orderly audience, I 
chose rather to retire in the cold, from their noise, and 
hold uninterrupted communion with God, in his word. 
That day I read the Gospel of Mark through in that 
way. 

OUR LIBRARY, 

At this time, consisted of three Bibles, furnished by 
the overseer, (many had none,) Mahan's Christian 
Perfection, Village Hymns, Clarke's Promises, and 
Mason's Heavenly Manna, which we brought with us, 
and were allowed to have, after asking for them re- 
peatedly. 

On the Sabbath, we sung, read, and prayed, with 
much comfort and profit. From Christian Perfection, 
we took turns in reading a lecture aloud. Let me 
here say, that that book has been a source of unspeak- 
able peace and consolation to us, amid our trials. Its 



158 THE FIRE. 

sweet instruction — its lucid explanations of the prom- 
ises — its presentations of the provisions of divine 
grace, have cheered, strengthened, and encouraged 
us to trust implicitly in God. And for hours and 
hours have we stood and read it bj moonlight. I have 
followed the reflection on the wall half round my cell, 
holding my book so as to catch the rays, as the bright- 
ness gradually moved round the room. 

THE FIRE. 

On the night of the twenty-sixth of Nov. we went 
to bed as usual, but were awakened by the cry, "Fire! 
fire!" We arose, dressed ourselves, committed our 
bodies and our all to a Father's care, and waited pa- 
tiently his will, being assured that He would do all 
things well. 

The centre building, adjoining the cells, containing 
various work-shops, had taken fire, which placed the 
nearer cells in imminent danger; but God suffered not 
a hair of our heads to perish. Our preservation was very 
providential — we being next to, and almost under the 
flames. We could look out of our little window and 
see the raging element just above us; the sparks and 
cinders falling directly upon the window; and we not 
knowing what moment the wall that towered above 
Us would fall with a crash upon our cell. But God 
can secure his little ones, and bring them safely 
through fiery trials and threatening dangers. ""Blessed 
are all they that put their trust in Him." 

The prisoners were quickly alarmed, and that say- 
ing was verified, "-In trouble they will call upon me;" 
"In their affliction they will seek me early." Such 
screaming — such crying for mercy-^such praying, I 
never before heard. Locked in their cells, and not 
knowing but the next minute would wrap them in 
flames, and send them quick to the presence of their 
Judge, they were importunate, with loud voices — some 



AFFRIGHT OF PRISONERS. 



1519 



calling upon God, and others begging for some one to 
let them out — others still, with their broken bedsteads, 
endeavoring to knock open the door — while others 
were screaming, "My cell is all on fire! — Murder! 
murder! — O, do let mc out! — O, God, have mercyou 
me." It was startling. Seeing the danger they were 
in, their fears were w^-ought to the highest pitch; and 
anticipating certain death, they became almost frantic. 

A singular, indescribable, multifarious, confused 
uproar, was the result of pounding, yelling, begging, 
groaning, the crackling of the flames, the crash of fall- 
ing floors and timbers, the running, commanding, an- 
swering and inquiring of those engaged about the 
fire. Some of the prisoners, with their broken bed- 
steads, dug through the brick wall, and came out. In 
our cell no noise was heard. 

When the building was mostly consumed, the pris- 
oners were let out for a short time, and then locked up 
again in the cells most distant from the fire. From 
four to six or eight were in a cell. There we all re- 
mained till morning. It was a desolate sight. The 
inside of the building, with most of its contents, was 
now in ashes — for "■ riches certainly take to themselves 
wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven," 

That day, (Saturday,) we spent mostly in our cell, 
reading, while others were engaged wheeling away the 
ruins. Also on the Sabbath, numbers were at work 
in the same way! Thus the oflicers seemed to defy 
the Almighty to do his worst. Some who called on 
God so earnestly for mercy in their trouble, when they 
saw the danger past, were ashamed of their prayers, 
thus evincing their heartlessness. 'Twas now cold 
weather, and many of the mechanics were thrown out 
of work. They mourned the occurrence, not for the 
loss, but because they would be obliged to labor in the 
cold, having no shop. 

On Monday morning, we were all collected and 
formed into a ring in the middle of which stood 



160 REFORMATION. 

Capt. G. After making a speech, he called on all who 
would henceforth behave themselves to step forward — 
all advanced. Said he, "This is a place of reforma- 
tion !" The reader will keep this in mind, and connect 
it with my past accounts. Remember it is a place of 
reforviation. I told you a little about the Teachers and 
the scholars, but you must form a more intimate ac- 
quaintance with this school. 



CHAPTER III. 



LETTER EXTRACT. 



Penitentiary^ Dec. 5, 1841. 
^•Dear Friend: 

'•'• Truly God's ways are not our ways, nor 
his thoughts, our thoughts." But may it ever be our 
delight to yield up ours, and cheerfully acquiesce in 
his ways, and thoughts toward us. May we always 
feel that they arc wise and kind and good, nor for one 
moment give way to unbelief, but trust in Him, and 
experience the blessedness of his promises. Ps. xxvii, 
14; xxxi, 19 — 34; xxxiv, 8, 22; xxxvii, 3, 40; cxii, 7, 
8; J.am. iii, 25—27, 31—33; 1st. Pet. v, 7. Can you 
in view of all that is past and to come, adopt the lan- 
guage of the Poet: 

'T is my happiness below. 
Not to live without the cross ; 
But the Savior's power to know, 
Sanctifying every loss. 



SANCTIFIED AFFLICTIONS. 161(' 

2 Trials must and will befall — 
But with humble faith to see 
Love inscribed upon thera all, 
This is happiness to me. 

3 Did I meet no trials here, 
No chastisement by the way, 
Might I not with reason fear 
I should be " a cast away ?" 

4 Trials make the promise sweet; 
Trials give new life to prayer ; 
Bring me to my Savior's feet. 
Lay me low, and keep me there. 

My feelings heartily respond to the above, and my 
whole soul cries '• Amen.'' Though our way be dark 
and thorny, trying to llesh, and faith too, 1 can, with 
an unwavering confidence, joyfully trust all with my 
blessed Savior; and respond to the hymn in the Lyre 

"Although the vine its fruit deny," 6cc. 

Should you at any time, feel anxious about me, 
just say to your heart, 

1 " Be still, my heart, these anxious cares; 
To thee are burdens, thorns and snares ; 
They cast dishonor on thy Lord, 
And contradict his gracious word. 

Brought safely by his hand, thus far, 
Why wilt thou now give place to fear ? 
How camt thou want if He provide ? 
Or lose thy way with such a guide 1 



3 When first before his mercy-seat, 
Thou didst to Him thy all commit ; 
He gave thee warrant from that hour. 
To trust his wisdom, love and pewer, 

10 



162 WORK IN THE CITT. 

4 Did ever trouble yet befall, 
And He refuse to hear thy call ? 
And has He not his promise passed, 
That thou shalt overcome at last. 

5 Though rough and thorny be the load. 
It leads thee home apace, to God: 
Then count thy present trials small, 
For heaven will make amends for all." 

Regard what Paul says in 1 Cor. iv: 5, and let us 
continually endeavor in all things to be conformed to the 
will of Christ. Though my circumstances are so diA 
ferent from yours, yet I am happy. The Lord bless- 
es my soul. I do not get much time to read, during the 
week, but it is sweet to think of my Savior's words. 

George." 

The above, is but a note to a friend, appended to 
the letter — but this has been torn off, and is all I 
have. The letter more particularly expressed our 
feehngs. 

After the fire, the carpenters had a room prepared 
in the city, where they worked. There, James could 
talk freely, — a guard, only being with them, who 
would often join in their discussions. Practical reli- 
gion, and frequently, aboHtion, were the topics of con- 
versation. In the same building, I worked at lathing, 
and could converse without much restraint. 

While we were there at work, a citizen asked per- 
mission to speak with James, and was refused. How- 
ever he contrived to communicate with us through an- 
other prisoner, who was allowed to run about where 
he chose, and we in the same manner sent word to 
him. At one time he wrote a letter, enclosing paper 
on which we could answer it, sending it to us through 
the same medium. 

He expressed himself as a warm friend, his abhor- 
rence of slavery, and beUef that it could not continue 
long. Spoke of the abominable injustice we had re- 



CHARACTER OF PRISONERS. 163 

ceivcd, and gave us assurance of his sympathy and 
prayers, advised us to be faithful, &:c. 

We answered the letter, nailed it between two 
chips, and threw it to him, as he came near, one day. 
In this kind of correspondence, we did not much al- 
low ourselves. Connected with it was much danger, 
to us, to the one conveying the letter, and to the man 
who wrote to us. Had it been discovered, we should 
have been severely punished, as also the conveyer, 
and the citizen would have been fined. And in trusting 
a fellow-prisoner, we ran much risk of being betrayed. 

AN EXAMPLE. 

A Trustee, (as those are called, who are allowed to 
go out alone,) with great professions of friendship, 
offered to get paper, pen and ink, for another, to write 
a letter to his friends, and promised to put the letter 
in the office for him. The man, confiding in him, 
wrote the letter, and gave it into his hands. Soon he 
was called into the guard-room, before the officers. — 
"Do you know that letter?" holding before him, the 
letter he had just written. The man was punished. 

And this reminds me of another trait in the charac- 
ter of prisoners; which is, 

TREACHERY. 

Situated as they are, one would suppose they would 
feel a common interest — a general sympathy. It is 
not so. There are a hw^ who would be whipped to 
death, before they v/ould betray trust, or get a fellow- 
prisoner punished. But the mass will do any thing to 
gratify their own revengeful spirit, and procure the 
favor of the officers. See the example above. The 
favor of the officers was his whole object. When they 
thus betray a fellow-prisoner, it has an appearance of 
regard for the interest of the officer — and generally, by 



164 TREACHERY OF PRISONERS. 

SO doing, they gain the confidence and favor of the of- 
ficers, at the expense of their injured fellow prisoners. 
For the officers are so perfectly duped, they cannot 
see that one who will betray his fello-w^ will betray 
^/lem, just so soon as he thinks he can reap advantage 
by so doing. 

Many, by the forementioned means and in similar 
ways, have acquired the confidence of the officers — 
been faithful trustees, and seemed to be very much 
interested in the welfare of the officers — how long? 
Why, till they could make all needful preparations for 
an effectual escape — and they are gone. 

Others have been very eager in espying out the 
faults of prisoners and running to the officers with ev- 
ery little thing — very much concerned for their inter- 
est — would traduce and belie their fellows — work and 
"fly around"' nights and Sundays — how long, and for 
what I. Till they had so acquired the confidence of the 
officers as not to be watched closely; when lo! some 
one privy to their plans has betrayed them^ (to get fa- 
vor, mark,) and they have been found just ready to 
scale the wall ! ! 

One will betray others; then some one will betray 
him; next, he is betrayed by another; and so on, all 
for the same thing — favor of officers! 

Two men, to gain favor, professed to be converted, 
and won the confidence of the overseer, who was a 
Christian. He trusted them out alone. Soon they 
backslid, (?) and were more wicked than before; yet 
he trusted them. One even assisted in taking some 
runaways, and thus gained confidence greatly. What 
next? They ran away. 

I told the overseer, '•'■ you might have known that 
since they had proved false to God they would betray 
your trust." 

One more case. Two men took a skiff to go after 
a paddle that had fallen overboard, but instead of 
coming back, plied their oars for liberty. A guard 



A SMALL TASTE OF LIBERTY. 1C5 

with two other prisoners was sent after them, in anoth- 
er skiir. These trustees were faithful till they were 
far enough away, then threw the guard into the water 
to get home as he could, and followed on to join their 
companions. 

But enough of this, though examples might be mul- 
tiplied. 

About the middle of December I stopped work ten 
days, being unwell; not confined to my bed, but una- 
1 ble to work. My time was principally spent in read- 
ing my Bible, now and then exercising lightly, and di- 
eting on mush. 

CHAIN OFF TRUSTEE. 

On the seventeenth of December my chain was ta- 
ken otr. I had carried it two and a half months. 
When I first attempted to walk I could scarcely keep 
my balance, but with a little practice I soon learned to 
walk again. 

Thenextday I was sent out alone to procure mate- 
rials to fill our bed. My feelings were very peculiar, 
and my heart involuntarily broke forth in thanksgiving 
to God, as I walked by the way, for his goodness. Af- 
ter being under guard and in chains five months, it 
was inexpressibly sweet and delightful to walk at lib- 
erty and alone. 

As I looked behind me, and saw no man with his 
musket following me, sensations were produced in my 
soul, of which those who have not been captives, can 
know nothing. To the '^good hand of our God" all 
this must be attributed. A few days after I went out 
all alone, to gather me some herbs — and again, was 
gent to the woods to get elm bark for the sick. 
At other times I was sent on errands, (when in the 
woods and in the city, at work,) to get water, fire, &c. 
Other instances I shall hereafter notice. 

This surely was " the good hand of God," To what 
else can such treatment be ascribed? Look at it, rea- 



166 THE FORFEITED RIGHT. 

der. Not only a convict, but a hated abolitionist, 
among enemies, in a slave state, in the penitentiary 
for twelve years — and such confidence, on so short an 
acquaintance, reposed in him! 

This would be indeed surprising, did we not remem- 
ber that the hearts of wicked men, even, are in the 
hands of God — and also recall his promise, " verily I 
•will cause the enemy to treat thee well in the time of 
evil." This explains the whole, and to God be all the 
praise. Though they so vilified us at first, it was soon 
evident we had their confidence — that they looked up- 
on us as honest men, who would be faithful to the 
trust committed to them. 

THE lord's supper. 

On the nineteenth of December, after preaching, 
we obtained permission, and spoke with the chaplain. 
He was very kind, and gave us gospel instruction and 
comfort. His was the first Christian's hand we had 
pressed since our arrival here, and the short interview 
made our souls rejoice. 

We told him our feelings; how long we had been 
barred from the table of our liOrd, and desired him to 
break unto us the emblems of our Savior's broken 
body. He saw no impropriety in the thing, and prom- 
ised to attend to it the next time he came. 

But in two or three weeks he came again, and said 
he had '^ consulted with his brethren^ and they thought 
it would not be proper! — that we had forfeited the 
right to such a privilege — were considered as outcasts 
— and we had better wait till we were free!" We 
could but submit and say, '' the will of the Lord be 
done;" yet we felt disappointed. Truly this is strange 
reasoning for a Christian ! What will not " the fear of 
man" do? Probably his ^' brethren" thought it would 
have too much the appearance of friendship for our 
principles, and render him unpopular! "-Father for- 
give them, for they know not what they do." 



"communion season" in prison. 167 

Feeling that our Master's command was binding on 
all his people, and as much on us here, in prison, as 
any where, we anxiously desired to " show forth his 
death," and " remember" Him in his own appointed 
ordinance. 

But what could we do? Already we had been re- 
fused by our minister, and who should visit us in prison 
to break unto us the sacred emblems of his broken 
body? We thought; we talked together; we prayed; 
and sought direction from above, and became settled in 
the conviction that it was the duty of all Christians tg 
obey the command — " Do this in remembrance of me." 
If they had no regularly authorized person to adminis- 
ter it to them, that they should administer it among 
themselves. If a certain kind of bread and wine and 
dishes could not be procured, that they should make 
use of such as they had; and to God it would be ac- 
ceptable, " according to what a man hath, and not ac- 
cording to what he hath not." 

With these feelings we determined to obey the dy- 
ing charge of our Savior, and administer the emblems 
to one another. 

Accordingly we made choice of bread and water — 
the staff of natural liffe — the nourishment of the body 
— as fit emblems of the body and blood of Jesus — the 
support of spiritual life — the strength and nourishment 
of the soul. 

Gathered around our little table, we read and sung 
and conversed of the sufferings of our Lord. In our 
humble manner, we prayed, and partook of the sym- 
bols of his broken body, and shed blood — and our 
souls were feasted with love divine. Jesus was with 
us, and made it a precious season. From that time 
we continued to observe it, in this manner. Such 
seasons were generally much blessed to our spiritual 
comfort, and peace. And at various times, when thus 
gathered around our simple board, have we experi- 
enced a joy and satisfaction, and rapture of soul, un- 



It58 



COMMUNION HYMN. 



speakable, and far beyond any thing we ever felt 
while enjoying liberty. Of some of these seasons, I 
shall hereafter speak, in their order: but here I will 
insert a hymn, which I composed expressly for those 
seasons, and which we often sung. 

'•DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.*' 

1 Dear Savior, now enthroned on high, 
Who gav'st thyself for us to die — 
And lest we ever should forget, 

♦ Thy dying groans, and bloody sweat, 

Didst charge thy followers, bond and free. 
" This do in memory of me;" 

2 Thy dying charge, we will obey. 
In this our simple, humble way : 
O ! let us each thy love partake, 
While now thy death we celebrate ; 
From sin's dominion set us free, 
And help us to I'emember thee. 

3 Thou art the "true and living bread;" 
O ! may our souls with thee be fed ; 
As water makes our bodies clean, 

Thy blood shall cleanse our souls from sin; 

Thy fair example let us see, 

For Lord, we would remember thee. 

4 Thy spotless life we call to mind — 
With all thy treatment so unkind ; 
The garden, judgment hall, and thorns, 
The nails, the spear, and impious scorns — 
While each can say, " 'Twas all for 7?je"— 
O I Lord, we do remember thee. 

5 Our cov'nant vows, we now renew, 
Thy will to suffer, or to do; 

Give us thy Spirit for our guide, * 

That we may never turn aside. 
See now, thy little children, see, 
Henceforth, we will remember thee. 



THE UNFEELING CAPT. B. 169 

On the twenty-fifth of December, a gentleman from 
my father's neighborhood called to see me, with whom 
I conversed, in the presence of the officers. I told 
him to tell my parents that I was contented and happy, 
in my new situation. 

Speaking of letters, Capt. Burch said, •'' many let- 
ters come here, which the prisoners do not receive — 
;ind they write many which are not sent," This was 
very true. They were read by the officers, and if 
there was any expression they did not like, or if they 
had a spite at the prisoner, the letter was destroyed. 
While at work out side, one day, I picked up a piece 
of paper which looked much like a torn letter — when 
in my cell, I placed the parts together, and lo, it was 
a letter to a prisoner, who had been anxiously expect- 
ing, and Waiting for a letter from his wife and friends. 
It did not suit Capt. B., and was destroyed. How- 
ever I told the man the substance of his letter. These 
few words may suffice to magnify the great goodness of 
God to us, in this respect. I think the reader will 
join me in saying, '-'• It is the Lord," when he sees 
how freely we were allowed to correspond with our 
friends. Why, if all our letters were collected they 
would make a pile a foot high. I think I never, in 
any previous five years, wrote so many letters as du- 
ring the five years in prison! How was this? Oth- 
ers were not allowed this privilege. With a few ex- 
ceptions they were not permitted to write. How was 
it then? '•'• It was the Lord." Situated as we were, 
this was a great blessing. Communion with friends 
is sweet while at liberty, but a thousand fold more so 
when we are confined in prison. O, how reviving! 

CONVERSATION. 

Though all conversation was strictly forbidden, yet 
it was common among the prisoners. Some guards 
would suffer it, while others would eagerly M^atch and 



170 DEATH OP ELLETC. 

report the first offence, and punishment succeeded. 
We made it a matter of conscience to talk with our 
fellow prisoners as opportunity offered, and feel that 
it was not in vain. They evidently felt our influence. 
We reproved them for profane or filthy language, and 
many would abstain, in our presence. We recommen- 
ded to them that religion which we found so precious 
in all our afflictions, and most were ready to confess 
their guilt. Some would freely weep as we present- 
ed Christ to them, while others would only mock and 
sneer. 

In our evening labors we had more opportunity to 
converse with them about their souls, and endeavored 
to improve it. Why not? The wicked took the priv- 
ilege of talking for satan,and why should not we stand 
up for God? We felt that we were his "witnesses," 
and that we were bound to let our light shine. 



DEATH OF ELLEN. 

On the thirteenth of January, 1842, Alanson re- 
ceived a letter from his wife; it was like cold water to 
our thirsty souls, though it brought the news of the 
death of his youngest child Ellen. She grieved her- 
self to death (so her mother thought) for her father, 
shortly after we came to Jefferson. She was about 
three or four years old — a lovely child. And who 
can deny that our persecutors will have to answer for 
her blood at the day of impartial reckoning? 

The following was suggested to my mind, when 
musing on the death of Ellen. I thought of not in- 
serting it, but others advise me to do it. 

1 Ellen, where art thou, my dear? 
1 thy form no longer see: 
Now thy voice I cannot hear: — 

Say, my child, where canst thou be? 



DEATH OP ELLKN. 

2 Mother, see, on Jesus' breast; 

In my Savior's arms who died: 
Nothing now can me molest, 
For He keeps me near his side. 

3 Ellen, why so soon removed? 

Was not I a mother kind? 
Have I not thy sorrows soothed? 
Comforts sought for thee to find? 

4 Mother, you were kind to me, 

And your voice I loved to hear; 
Always loved with you to be, 
All your lonely hours to cheer. 

5 Had you not a father dear? 

Loved he not your fond embrace? 
Loved he not to wipe the tear, 
Trickling down your tender face? 

6 Yes, my mother — but in chains! — 

He could not come home at all; 
He could not relieve my pains, 
Could not answer to my call! 

7 Ellen, why for this depart? 

Why not stay and cheer me still? 
Stay, and soothe my aching heart? 
Was not this thy Savior's will? 

8 Mother, Jesus saw 'twas best 

To remove me to this place: 
In his will, O let us rest. 

Trust him for all needed grace. 

9 Ellen, sing your Maker's praise, 

With the saints around the throne; 
Tune your sweet and heavenly lays 
To the Father, Spirit, Son. 

10 Mother, can't you come to me? 
Better place than earth is this; 
O! what beauties here you'll see! — 
Dwell in everlasting bliss. 



17l 



172 A HELP MEET FOR SLAVEHOLDERS. 

■ 11 Ellen, wait till Jesus speaks, 

Saying to your mother. Come: 
Then with you I'll walk the streets 
Of the New Jerusalem. 

12 Mother, will my father come? 
Brothers dear, and sister too? 
Ellen, yes, we'll come as one, 
And "forever dwell with you. 

My poetic musings were principally while at mr 
work — sometimes while on my bed. 

SLAVEHOLDERS* CONSCIENCES QUIETED, 

On the fourteenth of January I received a letter 
from a friend, who viewed our conduct in a different 
light from what we did. It censured me pretty se- 
verely, calling the act contrary to the example of 
Christ and the Apostles, and exhorting me to repent- 
ance. But truly, we did not know how, nor of what to 
repent, having a '■'■conscience void of offence." Wc 
felt more like praying that God would open his eyes, 
and bring him to repentance for having given such 
encouragement to slaveholders. For they were so 
pleased with the letter, that they wore it nearly out. 
in circulating and reading it. After I had read it. 
the warden called for it, and months passed away 
before I could get it again. As it was handed 
to me, he remarked that it had been lent considerably. 
And more than three years afterwards, that letter was 
thrown in my face, by a slaveholder, saying, '•'He gave 
you good advice." We were grieved to see such occa- 
sion given to the enemy, but we could only pray. If 
in any letter, wc had justified our course, it would not 
have been sent: therefore we had to be silent, and 
acquaint our friends of our true feelings, by giving 
references to passages of scripture expressive of our 
feelings. In this w-ay we often wrote on subjects 



USES OF SCRIPTURE. 173 

which our officers knew nothing about; for they would 
not spend time to look out our references, which were 
many. Our friends wrote to us in like manner. la 
this way w^e could express ourselves understandingly 
on almost any subject. We could exhort our friends 
to more earnestness in pleading for the oppressed — or 
they could tell us about the success of the cause — how 
many slaves ran away, &c. An example of the lat- 
ter: — in 1 Samuel, xxv: IC, are the words, "'There be 
many servants, now-a-days, that break away every man 
from his master." We all knew where this passage 
was. So when our friends wished to tell us that any 
certain number had escaped, the understanding was 
that they should quote 1st Samuel, xxv, and give the 
verse that expressed the number of slaves — if three, 
it would be 1st Samuel, xxv; 3, and so on. If we 
wished them to circulate petitions, or write to the 
Governor, or come unto us with all speed, we had 
references suitable. If we wished to inform them of 
our circumstances more particularly than we could in 
words, we had appropriate references. In this way, 
while our officers were perfectly in the dark, we 
walked, and rejoiced in the light of abolition news. 

RUNAWAYS. 

The two painters were accustomed to go to the city 
alone, to w^ork. When they went to the gate with 
their paint kegs, the guard was wont to let them out, 
without asking any questions, supposing they had been 
sent by the overseer. One day, they went as usual, 
but did not return. After a few days, they were dis- 
covered in Arkansas. An attempt was made to take 
them, and one of them was shot dead; the other 
w'ounded, and brought back to serve his time out. 
When thus brought back, they were generally severely 
whipped; one side, or the whole of their head shaved 



174 '•'•THE IRON GATE OPENED." 

with a razor; and heavy chains put on them. Many 
times they underwent great suffering. 

On the evening of the second of February, we 
were at work as usual, when suddenly there was a 
great excitement and confusion among the guards 
and officers. Quickly the bell rang, and orders were 
given, "^Go to your cell — go to your cell quick." 
Officers and guard were running to and fro, with pis- 
tols and muskets cocked, crying to every prisoner they 
saw, '•'go to your cell, quick," Slam, slam, slam, went 
the iron doors, and soon we w^ere all safe. What was 
the matter we knew not till the next morning, when 
we learned that one of the blacksmiths had made a 
key, opened the two large gates, and taken out with 
him three others. Two of them were brought back in 
a day or two, and dreadfully punished. One cried 
■•'murder," very loud, and was ordered to stop. ''I 
can't help it," he replied. Excessively large chains 
were put upon them. One of the other two was 
brought back about five months afterwards. The 
other escaped. 

During the winter, a number ran away. The his- 
tory of their exposures and adventures, as I had it 
from their own mouths, would make a volume that 
would be read with great interest; but I have no room 
to insert them. 

Before the second of February, I had asked Capt. 
G. to let me learn the wagon maker's trade. He an- 
swered very jocosely, "•What do you want of a trade? 
You will go right to preaching when you get out." 
'•' Yes sir, but I wish to teach the heathen how to 
work, as well as praj." '•'Well, Fll see about it." 
On the fourth of February, I was put at the turning 
business, of which 1 have before spoken. While 
standing at my lathe, I have had precious seasons, 
singing, and preaching to mjself. 



BURIAL OP A MAN AND A DOO. 175 

CHAPTER IV. 

A MAN KILLED. 

During the winter about twenty of the prisoners 
were taken six or eight miles to chop wood. They 
encamped on the ground, coming home once in two 
weeks, for clean clothes. On the 8th of February, 
a tree fell on one, and killed him. He was brought 
here, in his blood — wrapped, as he was, in a cotton 
sheet, placed in a rough coffin, and buried. I assisted 
in carrying him to the grave. It was an open, exposed 
place, near by, M'^here other prisoners had been laid. 

Two days after, one of our number was hung, outside 
the wall. He was charged with murdering The over- 
seer — which took place a short time before we came. 
On the gallows, he professed to be prepared to die, 
but persisted in his innocency of the horrid deed. 
We endeavored to improve these events for the good 
of some of the prisoners, but the effect soon wore away. 

There are no funeral sermons here, (one, afterwards 
of which I shall speak,) Those who die, are nailed 
up in a rough box, and placed beneath the ground, 
with much less ceremony than many make over a 
dumb brute. When Capt, Gordon's dog died, he had 
a nice coffin made, and fine gravestones cut, with a 
splendid inscription, "My dog Trip," &c., &c. A 
fine specimen, by the by, of the value which slave- 
holders place upon a dumb brute over a man, if he 
chances to be poor, or despised or tinged. 

But surely, if there is any place where funeral ser- 
mons are needed, it is such a place as this. If there 
is in them any solemnity, any tendency to affect the 
heart, and rouse the careless from their death-Kke 
stupidity, then they are much called for in a peniten- 



176 SECOND LETTER TO PARENTS. 

tiaiy. We plead with the officers to send for a minis- 
ter, but in vain. 

On the twenty-fifth of February, James received a 
letter from Bro, Seymour, which filled us with great 
joy. Nothing but the hand of God upon them, made 
diem give it to us, for it was strongly tinctured with 
abolition. But our Father knew it would comfort, and 
encourage us, and suffered them not to withhold it. It 
was through the intercession of Capt. G.'s oldest son,' 
that we received it. He was always very kind to the 
prisoners, and to him generally they went for favors. 
Through him chiefly, our letters passed. He said to 
James/- Tell your friends not to write any more abo- 
Htion, for if they do, you will not be able to get the 
letters." I would gladly give extracts, but I have 
none to give. 

second letter to my parents. 

Devr Parents: 

'^I received yours with great pleasure — the 
more so, because I have not heard a word from you, 
since I was taken prisoner. Circumstanced as we are 
it is more than ever delightful, to hear from Christian 
friends. It makes me more contented with my situa- 
tion — not that I am rf/scontented — far from it. I am 
happy. But shut out as we are from Christian socie- 
ty, and the courts of God's house it is unspeakably 
sweet and refreshing, to receive the breathings of a 
Christian's soul, though on paper. But should I be 
deprived of even this privilege, still with my bible I 
should be happy. In this I can listen to the words of 
Prophets and wise men — yea, sit at the blessed Sav- 
ior's feet, and listen to his '^gracious words." lean 
be instructed and comforted by the apostles, and feast 
upon the promises which fill the '■'•book of books." But 
should this be taken away, still there remains a source 
of happiness, which men cannot cut off— which the 



LETTER TO PARENTS. 177 

-world knows not, nor can take away. Need I tcJl you 
what this is? I trust that you also drink of this spring, 
and know the sweetness of its waters. It is holding 
communion with heaven, and having "• fellowship with 
the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ." Prevent this, 
man cannot. In every place and condition 1 can lift 
my heart to God, and feel that He who "sticketh closer 
than a brother," is my ''friend," ever near to impart 
all the comforts I need and can receive. I never knew 
how to prize the Bible, nor understood as much of its 
meaning as I now do. It is exceedingly sweet to my soul. 

My mother, so far from murmuring at my lot, I can 
already bless the hand of God, and kiss the rod. "• It 
is good that I have been afflicted." 

Granting that this is a punishment for my sins, as 
some say, then surely we should rejoice, and bless the 
Lord for it ; He docs it in love, even as a tender father 
corrects his child, and as you often corrected me, for 
my good. Our sins are our worst enemies ; shall we 
repine at that which separates us from them ? Should 
we refuse or murmur to bear pain a very short time, 
when great and unending happiness is thereby brought 
to us ? Ah, no. Better be deprived of all earthly 
comforts and joys, and secure the favor of God and 
heaven, than enjoy all that earth can afford, and lose the 
smiles of the Redeemer one moment — much more, 
forever. 

Dear mother, '••only believe," and you will be hap- 
py. ''Faith in God will quell every fear, and fill the 
soul with light, joy, and peace. Unbehef will fill it 
with gloominess and continual disquietude. Faith lets 
the Savior into our hearts. Unbelief shuts Him and 
all comforts of his grace and salvation out of our 
souls. Faith is all light, unbelief all darkness. 

"Have faith in God," the Savior cries, 
Nor fear what feeble man can do ; 

Though clouds and darkness veil your skies, 
All, all shall work for good to you. 

u 



178 LETTER TO PAUEKTS. 

"Have faith in God," — though tempests blow, 
And billows hke huge mountains swell; 

Though every surge should overflow, 
"Have faith in God," and "all is well." 

Dear parents, when I gave myself to God, I surren- 
dered all to Him and His cause, to be used by Him in 
His own way. I have often prayed that He would 
send me where He saw best — make me useful in the 
way he saw fit — continue me in the vineyard — call me 
away when and as He saw would most glorify His 
name. This is still my prayer. It is not for me to say 
when, where, nor how long I shall labor. I lay myself 
upon the altar, a whole, a '•'• living sacrifice." If His 
will is that 1 should labor here, I am willing to do it 
faithfully, so long as He sees best, should it be my 
whole life. What pleases my Savior, shall please me. 
If I am to meet no more with the dear people of God 
on earth, I expect soon to meet with a larger and bet- 
ter company than earth can afford. Is it possible that 
Elias, (my youngest brother,) has again grieved the 
Spirit, and hardened his heart against God ? O, that 
he would submit. Dear brother, every moment you 
continue in sin, you are heaping up to yourself that of 
which you will one day repent, and it may be, when it 
ii too late ! Read Prov. 1 : 20—33. 

We live on prophet's food, only a greater variety. 

To close, how great the privilege of prayer ! That 
Buch worms as we can approach the Majesty of heaven 
— the Maker of millions of worlds, the Ruler of the 
universe and hold converse with Him as with a father 
a friend, a brother ! O, let us love the Mercy Seat. 
Your son and brother, 

George." 

joyful discovery. 

We had supposed that we were the only ones in the 
prison, who bore the name of Christ, for in all our 
converse with them, we found none who even pretend- 



A MURDERER CONVERTED. 179 

ed to be christians. Some were old backsliders, but a 
"kindred spirit," we did not find till March 13, 1842. 
While working in the evening with W. G., I talked 
with him, and found him quite seriously disposed. T\m 
encouraged me, and that evening I told my companions 
that I had once more enjoyed the privilege of giving 
instruction to an anxious soul. He was naturally quite 
diffident, and being unacquainted with us, did not let 
his feelings be known hastily. In a previous conver- 
sation, I learned that he was a murderer. lie felt and 
confessed it a great crime against God and man. Be- 
ing much interested in his case, on the morning of the 
thirteenth, 1 whispered to him, ""Read the 51st Psalm 
to-day." He read it, and when we were let out again 
towards night, he said to James, "• Tell Thompson that 
not the 51st Psalm, but the 56th and 57th Psalms are 
suitable to my case, and express my feelings." 

We read them with eagerness — being anxious to be- 
come more acquainted with him. And no one who has 
not experienced something of the same, can even im- 
agine what were our feelings, when we read those 
Psalms, and saw there the expressions of a decided 
Christian. Our hearts leaped for joy — we shouted 
and praised the Lord. 

But still we were solicitous for a further acquaint- 
ance, and it being difficult to find opportunity to talk 
with him, we had farther recourse to the language of 
books, as our medium of conveying ideas. I selected 
the 360th and 412th Village Hymns, requesting that 
he would let us know whether he could fully adopt the 
sentiments there expressed. On the next Sabbath he 
returned the book saying, '•' They do express my feel- 
ings," and a short time after, selected others himself, 
as descriptive of his feelings — such as the 145th, 155th 
and 415th of the same book — and gave to us. We were 
now satisfied that he was indeed a brofher^and we could 
but shout " hosanna ! glory to God." We were fill- 
ed with comfort and joyfulness. It gave new life to 



180 THE CHRISTIAN SLAVE AND THE " SALT." 

our devotions, and lightened the burdens and trials of 
the day. He had been so long alone, in the midst of 
such awful cruelty and wickedness, ignorant and weak, 
that he was nearly buried beneath the rubbish, and his 
li^ht shone very dimly. 

But he now began to be ^'dug out" a little — his spir- 
it revived as he heard us sing and pray, (he celled op- 
posite us) and his strength began to increase. From 
that time till his death, he grew stronger and stronger 
— mounted higher and higher, and shone brighter and 
brighter. 



THAT "salt" again. 

Not far from this time, a slave was put in here for pun- 
ishment. This slave was a christian, could read, and 
loved his Bible. He has a family. He soon found us out, 
and was eager for conversation — said he saw us when 
we came — knew what we came foi-, &c. He wanted a 
^hvriting'''' — we told him we could not, in our circumstan- 
ces, give one — but we placed the "-salt" before him. We 

told him of Canada — we told him of where he 

would tind friends — and assisted to plan for getting his 
family away. We heard no more of him for years, 
and supposed he had gone — but latterly v/e have seen 
him here again. His family, probably, hindered his 
going — for slaves love their wives and children, as well 
as pale faces. 

But what I am at, is this: — Suppose that this man 
had made his escape. Suppose that others, here, be- 
fore whom we have placed the '■'sa/it," make their 
escape — what then? Why, according to the decision 
of a Missouri court, we stole those men, while here 
locked up in the Penitentiary! We placed the "^a/^' 
before them — we told them of liberty — and this was 
decided to be stealing! They sent us here to keep us 
from stealing their slaves— but it seems we can steal 



WHIPPED FOR OBEYING GOD. 181 

them Acre, as well as in Illinois, or any other State. 
If a man who is traveling, leave a book or tract, which 
makes known that England has no slaves, or that 
slaves arc free in Canada — and a slave learning this 
fact, escapes, why then the book pedlar stole him ! 

EXTRACT FR03I A LETTER TO A FRIEND. 

'•It is unspeakably sweet to hear from dear Chris- 
tian friends. It lightens our toils, sweetens our labors, 
cheers and strengthens our hearts, makes time roll 
more delightfully away, and stimulates us to labor 
more faithfully in behalf of those (the slaves) for whom 
we are engaged. By this do not understand that we 
could not, W'ithout such letters, labor cheerfully and 
happily; for we do work as cheerfully as the man who 
gets great wages, and with more delight and satisfac- 
tion than he who receives his three, five or ten dollars 
per day. I need not tell you why or how we can la- 
bor so happily here. Jesus is our friend, and ever 
near. Though shut out from religious privileges, yet 
with our precious Bible and locked within our little 
Bethel we are more happy than the king on his throne. 
From this wx learn the way to be happy any where, 
to" rejoice always," to have the mind kept in " perfect 
peace," and to be like Jesus. O! with this fountain 
of knowledge shall we not be happy and rejoice?" 

The letter to which this was an answer was withheld 
from us more than a month, but in due time God caus- 
ed them to give it up. 

SHAVING ON THE SABBATH. ALANSON WHIPPED. 

It was the custom to have all the shaving done on 
the Sabbath, because they could not spend time on a 
week day — so much gained, they thought! We felt 
that the practice was very wicked — endeavored to 
leave no means untried to be shaved on a week day — 



182 WHIPPED FOR OBEYING GOD. 

talked with wardens and overseers — besought and 
plead, but in vain. We talked and prayed together 
about it in our cell. On the third of April, Alanson 
refused to leave the cell and go down to be shaved. 
A great stir followed. A guard came — " Work, why 
don't you come down to be shaved?" "I feel that it 
would be wrong." The overseer came, threatened 
and coaxed — now flashing with rage, then speaking 
kindly. Capt. B. was quickly present, fiery and rag- 
ing — his eyes flashing fury — he threatened, command- 
ed and stormed — '-Do you not know the rules?" "I 
feel that I ought to obey God." '•'Well, put him in 
the dark cell, and see if that will be obeying God!" 
Alanson was then taken from us and put alone in a 
dark cell. The next morning one side of his head 
was shaved with a razor, and a heavy chain fastened 
to his leg. That evening he was summoned before 
the ''grand council," questioned and insulted, but not 
injured. " The Lord saw it and it displeased Him," — 
ibr on that same day three valuable hands ran away. 
Thus were they punished immediately. The next 
morning early Alanson was brought back to us, and 
all hands kept in their cells that day. A general in- 
quisition was held, and all were examined and ques- 
tioned, which occupied most of the day. We spent 
our time in reading and prayer, not knowing what was 
before us. 

When I was called to the guard room, among many 
other things I was asked, " lias there not been an 
agreement between you that Work should refuse to be 
shaved?" '-No sir." ''Did he not try to persuade 
you to join with him?" "No sir. We talked and 
prayed about it, and each did as he thought best." 
Eager to find some fig-leaf with which they might 
hide their wickedness and ease their troubled conscien- 
ces, ('apt. Burch began to question me about this 
one and that one with whom I was acquainted — "Is 
not he in the habit of shaving Sundays ?" What could 



WHIPPED FOR OBEYING GOD. 183 

I say? Speak the truth I must. But what occasion 
and advantage was this giving the enemy! How did 
it strengthen them! Again, "Do not farmers gener- 
ally, where you are acquainted, shave on Sundays?" 
O, that I could have answered holdly — no. But I 
could not. O! did Christians know the evil influence 
they are exerting by thus desecrating God's holy day, 
surely they would desist at once. 

May the Lord open their eyes to see their sin. Had 
it not been for the wicked example of professors, be- 
hind which these men tried to hide themselves, who 
knows but I should have utterly confounded them? 
''O, that they would consider!" 

The next Sabbath, Alanson was called to the guard 
room; and while James and myself were on our knees, 
beseeching heaven in his behalf, we were interrupted 
by the sound of the whip — upon whose naked flesh 
we well knew. Our own flesh quivered. He receiv- 
ed ten strokes, inflicted by the overseer, John Fulker- 
son. Capt. Gorden gave the sentence, with the charge 
to the overseer, "And double the dose every time he 
refuses to be shaved," and other very insulting remarks. 
As Alanson arose, he said to them, " May the Lord for- 
give you." It was comforting at that time to call to 
mind — " Some had trials of cruel scourgings." " This 
is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God 
endure grief, suifering wrongfully." ^ If when ye do 
well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is accep- 
table with God." '"'■ Rejoice and be exceeding glad." 
" It is enough for the disciple that he be as his Lord," 
&c. 

As a farther punishment, Alanson was kept from us 
till the last day of May. When he returned, we uni- 
ted in hcart-felt thanks to God for his goodness, in 
permitting us once more to unite our hearts and voi- 
ces before the throne. While thus separated, he 
wrote to us on a piece of his sand paper with his pen- 
cil, saying that he felt the need and worth of social in- 



184 THE PLEASING SIGHT. 

tercourse — that it was " good to be afflicted," «fec. I 
wrote to him in the same manner. 

After more mature reflection, he felt that he erred 
in taiiing the stand he did; that guilt could not attach 
to us after we had used our endeavors to have it other- 
wise; and after the second Sabbath, he consented to 
go out and be shaved. We did not feel that the act 
was ours, and the wicked Wardens themselves con- 
fessed " jou can't help it, Thompson; If there is any 
wrong about it we shall have to bear the blame." 

THE PLEASING SIGHT. 

For some months we had all worked within the 
walls, and were thus excluded from the beauties of 
spring. The spring of 1812 was very forward. On 
the twenty-first of April I worked in the city. And 
what a scene now burst upon the sight! The earth 
clothed in green — the air perfumed with sweetness — 
the trees waving in blooming colors, and loaded with 
green fruit — while all nature rejoiced in the goodness 
of its Creator! It was delightful. Our Fathers gar- 
den, thus variegated with richness and beauty, was 
well calculated to fill the soul with admiration, 'won- 
der, and love. 

Could a blind man suddenly have his eyes opened 
to see the wonders of nature, in vernal bloom, how 
would he be filled with rapture and amazement! What 
words could he find to give vent to the fullness of his 
soul? If he were a Christian, how would he adore 
and praise his Maker for his wonderful goodness to 
man ! 

Imagine, then, what were the feelings of my soul, 
when I was taken from the dungeon, and suddenly 
placed in the midst of such a bright display of 
heavenly wisdom, goodness, and love. 

Those who carefully watch the opening spring in 
its gradual advances from step to step till it puts on 



REFRESHING VISIT. 185 

its perfect dress, can form but a faint conception of 
the impression made on the mind of one, before 
whose eyes such inimitable richness and beauty is 
suddenly spread. 

It was not merely that I might gaze and feast upon 
his wonderful works, that God so unexpectedly sent 
me to the city to work, but to see a friend and fellow- 
laborer in his cause. While there employed, a fellow- 
student came from the Institute, bringing news from 
the brethren. He called, and talked but a few min- 
utes, as the boat would soon start. It was reviving to 
see the face, and hear the voice of one with whom we 
oft had united our prayers and labors for the op- 
pressed, in the social circle, and in the sanctuary. He 
broughtus letters, which were a rich feast to our souls. 

EXTRACT or MY ANSWER. 

"Heaven will make amends for all these days of 
trial; but should I get no other reward than what I 
get every day in my own soul, I shall feel abundantly 
repaid for all these deprivations. Just let the child 
of God believe the Bible, and what can make him 
unhappy? Will afflictions — will persecutions — will 
tribulations, or distress, or anguish of body — will the 
scoffs, and reproaches, and threats of earth and hell 
combined — will imprisonment — will the famine or the 
pestilence discompose him? Will death terrify him? 
Will any thing — can any thing cause him to be 
anxious and unhappy, while he rests on the eternal 
truth of God? I tell you nay. He stands upon an 
eternal Rock^ and notliing in earth or hell can destroy 
his peace, but his own sin. He is more than a con- 
queror." 

OUR CHARACTER GOOD IN MISSOURI. 

On the twenty-eighth of May, a man who has been 
a legislator here, came to see us. He was quite 
familiar, and spoke very frankly. 



186 TESTIMONY AS TO GOOD CHARACTER. 

He enquired concerning Alanson's family, and 
promised to write to them. Said he, '^'There is no im- 
putation against your characters; but the excitement 
against your doctrine is increasing, and all the 
sympathy there is for you, is on account of your 
family." 

To James, he said, " You [all three] have a good 
character here — you have a good name all over the 
country. We have nothing against your characters — 
it is only against your doctrine." 

To me, he said, "-The olficers give you a good 
name, and say you have behaved well. I hope you 
all will learn to mind your own business, when you 
get out of this place," &c. 

REFLECTIONS. 

Has a murderer — a thief — a robber — a kidnapper, 
a '^good character" in community? Is there "no 
imputation" against them? Then what mean the 
above confessions from a Missouri statesman? Do 
they not plainly declare, that the people did not be- 
lieve what they charged against us ? That they did 
not try, sentence, and imprison us as State felons, but 
as abolitionists? That it is not because we have violated 
their laws, but because our views are diverse from 
theirs ? Because our consciences have not yet been 
warped, our eyes blinded, and our tongues tied 
by slavery ? For these reasons, we are here placed, 
and here hold — as will appear more fully as we 
advance. 

SLAVES ESCAPING. 

As we were not allowed to write on abolition — 
consqucntly could know but little of what was going 
on, the Lord sent a man one hundred miles to tell us 
that the slaves were escaping very fast, and they were 



THE POLYGLOTT BIBLE- 187 

able to retake but few of them. I was taken aside 
hj Capt. G., with him, and other stranger"^, where I 
was questioned as to the " slave, roulc.^'' Said Capt, G. 
'*- There is a regular stage route, and he can tell you 
all about it if he will." I replied, " There is such a 
route, but I do not know it, but a short distance." 

The man said that three slaves had gone to Canada 

from and that an anonymous letter had been 

sent to the master, from Quincy, stating that his 
slaves were safe in Canada. He wished me to promise 
that I would give the name of the author, should I 
know the hand writing — that the person might be ta- 
ken. Said he would send the letter, but I never saw it. 

The assurance that the oppressed were being deliv- 
ered, by our coming here, made us clap our hands for 
joy. We felt more willing to labor for them twelve 
years — " thanked God and took courage." 

The man said that when we left Palmyra, it was the 
determination of the people to raise a petition for 
Work, in a year, and get him out. But when the 
guard came back, and reported that he was unyielding 
in his principles, they all said, ^'If that is the way he 
talks, let him stay." 

THE POLYGLOTT BIBLE. 

While James and myself were working in the city, 
old Mrs. Hart passed by, frequently, and looked with 
pity upon us. She said to James, as he was near the 
fence, -'Would you like a volume of bound tracts?" 
lie replied, " I do not know as I should be allowed to 
have them, but we would be very glad if you would 
get us a Polyglott Bible." She quickly obtained a 
very neat one, and together with her daughter-in-law, 
after pleading a long time with Capt. G., prevailed 
on him to let us have it. Reader, his objection to our 
having it, was, "I don't want to teach them (mother 
Re.lision!''' We considered it a rich treasure — a 



188 "abolition all the time." 

choice companion. This good old ludy afterwards 
sent us divers little comforts, tracts, books, &c. 

On the thirteenth of June I received a letter from 
home, bringing the news of the conversion of mj 
youngest brother. 

an extract, in reply, 

Beloved Parents: 

When I read your letter, I could scarce con- 
tain myself. My soul was filled to overflowing, with 
joy and gratitude. " I have all and abound," — " my 
cup runneth over," — I feast on the heavenly manna — 
the life-giving fruit that grows on the banks of Ca- 
naan's river. 

Dear Brother, you have now sv\^orn eternal allegi- 
ance to the Savior. The Heathen are dying. I am 
shut up, and at present, cannot go to them. And in 
the name of my Master, I charge you to step up im- 
mediately, fill my place, and hasten to those w ho are 
pei'ishing." 

"• ABOLITION ALL THE TIME." 

As James was at work, outside, with two others, on 
the Fourth of July, a slave watching his opportunity, 
when James was alojie, asked, " Are you one of the 
three abolitionists who came here last Fall?" "I am." 
"Are you abolition all the time?" — meaning if he 
still continued to be an abolitionist, though in prison 
and suffering, on account of it. James answered, •' I 
am abolition all the time." Then came up another 
prisoner, and asked the slave, '■• Why are you not keep- 
ing Fourth of July?'' The slave, very beautifully and 
expressively answered, '' Ah, when I am free, I will 
keep Fourth of July— Fll keep it then, Sundays, and 
a// days." ^ ' 



THE HARVEST FIELD. 



189 



Though he was a slave, he understood the nature 
of Liberty, and clearly saw the palpable inconsistencj 
of our Fourth of July celebrations, while, in our land, 
Liberty is but an empty sound, — a mockery. Let this 
shame the thousands who are so enthusiastic in cele- 
brating this day, in honor oUiberty, while millions are 
groaning in chains and cruel bondage, from childhood 
to death. 

And "they are contented," are they ? So ardently did 
this slave long for Uberty, and so highly prize the bless- 
ing, that could he obtain it, he would hold a continual 
celebration, and make every day a day of gladness 
and rejoicing, on account of it; thus proving the bare^ 
{■deed falsity of the declaration of slaveholders — "they 
would not be free if they could." And this slave, 
probably was " treated kindly,^'' not " worked hard," 
and allowed many privileges. He belonged to a 
Methodist class-leader. 

• THE HARVEST FIELB. 

During haying and harvest, I worked in the field, 
swinging the scythe and cradle. James assisted, a 
few days, in the latter part of haying. This was hard 
but pleasant work. It did not seem much like being 
in the Penitentiary — except that the guard, with his 
musket, was follovfing us around., The grain wa,s 
about four miles distant. To and from our work we 
walked every day — carrying our provision and tools, 
which was the hardest part. Frequently, after walk- 
ing home at night, I would be so completely exhausted 
I could not eat. The view of the stone wall, as we 
returned, after a hard day's work, was cheering; and 
almost involuntarily I would break forth with '■•Home, 
home, sweet home." I longed for a place to rest my 
weary lim.bs. In the field, and by the way, we could 
generally converse freely. ,v . .;m: 

At this time, Capt. G.'s oldest son was sick. Tlija * 
prisoners were much attached to him, as he .wjtsf 



190 EXECUTION. 

always kind to them. I asked the old man if I could 
go up and see him. He turned me out alone, and I 
went and conversed with him, about his soul, and the 
importance of being prepared to die. The family re- 
ceived me kindly. This we looked upon as an advance 
in the opening for usefulness, which we gladly im- 
proved, blessing the l^ord. 

A MAN HUNG. 

Adjoining the hay field was the public gallows. 
On the eighth of July, a man who had poisoned his 
wife in the city, was hung. As it was near, Capt. G. 
allowed us all to go to the place. A large concourse 
assembled. A document of his own was read, in 
which he confessed the crime; as also his repentance, 
pardon, peace, and hope of happiness. He warned 
the multitude to learn wisdom from his example. The 
most of that day, I was without a guard, with two 
others. 

OUR FRIENDS. 

On the ninth, being unwell, I abstained from work, 
to rest and recruit a little. And this sickness was 
very providential — for on that morning Mrs. Work 
and my aunt came to see us, so that I had an oppor- 
tunity to converse with them, which I should, not have 
enjoyed had I been well. Thus '■'All things work to- 
gether for good." 

We were allowed to converse with our friends sep- 
arately, a short time, which was a great feast to our 
souls. The next day (Sabbath) they came to our cell 
a few minutes — but Capt. B. was present, and we / 
could say but little. However, for the privilege of 
seeing them, we felt grateful. They brought us let- 
ters, which wc answered. They brought us two 
Polyglott Bibles, my Greek Testament, Sainfs Rest, 
and Christian Instructor. This was a valuable acces- 



VISIT FROM FEIjENDS. 191 

sion to our Library. They brought my Webster's 
Dictionary, but this Capt, B. would not let me have. 
Why, I cannot tell, only he said we did not need one. 

Mrs. W. brought two children with her. They 
were treated kindly and with attention, by the oflicers 
— treated as no other convict's wife or friends were 
treated. The sight of them awakened the sympathies 
of some, and their visit deposited a leaven which con- 
tinues to work. 

They went to see Gov. Reynolds, but he refused to 
-do any thing for them. He told Mrs. W. he did not 
blame abolitionists for helping slaves after they were 
in a free state — it was right enough. 

Previous to this, a petition from Connecticut came 
to the Governor, for Alanson. He refused to grant it, 
and wrote a long piece against letting us out. And 
the great reason was, " because he still persists in the 
same sentiments," — not because he had broken any 
daw, but because he will not renounce his sentiments. 
That is it, reader. 

A man asked Alanson's little son his name. He an- 
swered — " Edwin Lovejoy Work," — and the babe was 
named Aianson. Learning these names, a citizen re- 
marked, " He ought to stay there every day of his 
time, (why?) for naming his children after such men!" 
Parents, be careful what names you give your children, 
lest you get into the penitentiary. O! what will not 
slavery do! It was not because they were named af- 
ter some noted infidel, or robber, or murderer, or pirate, 
or tyrant — then it would all have been well enough — 
but an abolitionist! this is insupportable! 

'• RELIEVING THE NIGGERS." 

On one Sabbath Capt, B. came to our cell with three 
strangers. As he opened the door, and they looked 
in, one exclaimed, "Ah! these are the men who have 
placed themselves in this condition to relieve the nig- 



19*2 THE SLAVES "RELIEVED," 

gers! Well, there are but few of them in a worse con- 
dition." This taunt may have two meanings either of 
which is true. 

1st. That our object was benevolent — '•'' to relieve 
the niggers" — "-to relieve" those who are trodden 
down by the cruel oppressor — '' to relieve" our broth- 
er, robbed and spoiled of all that is dear in life. 

2nd. That our coming here would have a tendency 
to relieve the poor slaves from their suffering, and 
hasten the day when every chain shall be broken and 
all shall be free. That this has been the Case, there 
can be no doubt; and this is one source of our content- 
ment. We have felt that not one stroke should be in 
vain — that all would tell on the demolishment of the 
great American dragon — and it has been our constant 
prayer that God would give all our earnings to the 
slave — put all to the account of the widow and father- 
less, and not let the oppressor have one cent. 

Of the multitudes who came to gaze on us, some 
manifested in their countenances a feeling of sympa- 
thy; others seemed to feel highly gratified at our suffer- 
ing. The sight of us, under such circumstances, 
seemed to feast their malice and spite, while their looks 
plainly said, '*■ Aha, so would we have it." Frequent- 
ly the inquiry was heard, '•'Where are the abolition- 
ists?" And then, ''This is one of them." 



THE NEW CELL. 

On the eighteenth of July, we were removed from 
the cell which had been our home for nine and a half 
months, to one much more retired, and more desirable 
on several accounts. 

1st. It was so far from the guard-room that we 
were not disturbed and continually annoyed by the 
whipping, except when the cries were very "loud. This 
was a great blessing. 



THE NEW CKLL, 193 

2nd. There we were overheard so easily that we 
felt a restraint in conversation, and frequently in prayer 
and praise. Here, we could converse freely, and sing 
and pray as heartily as we pleased. Though we were 
never once reproved for talking in our cell, when it 
was known by all that we did talk, and talk about sla- 
very and abolition too. 

3d. Being so far from "head quarters," we had 
more opportunity to converse with our fellow prisoners, 
&,c. 

On taking possession, we kneeled down and united- 
ly consecrated it to be "■ holiness to the lord;" to be 
the "house of God, and the gate of heaven" to our 
souls; not imagining that it would prove thus to so ma- 
ny others as it has. It is emphatically "the hallowed 
cell;" hallowed not only by consecration, but also by 
the glorious display of God's saving grace in converting 
sinners, and comforting and establishing saints. But 
I am anticipating; after a little you shall hear more 
about the " hallowed cell." 

As yet, the windows of the " new cells" were fas- 
tened down, which made them extremely warm and 
oppressive in the summer. Capt. G. refused to let 
them be opened. But at our request, granted us the 
privilege; as also to have the little door left open, so 
that we enjoyed the free circulation of fresh air, of 
which others were deprived. This was " the good hand 
of our God upon us." 

"the preachers." 

This is the appellation by which we have most com- 
monly been designated, by prisoners and visitors. If 
they wished to speak of our cell, it was "the preach- 
ers' cell." And many a time have we heard the re- 
mark, when locked up, and officers were passing around 
— " this is the preachers' cell." 

Frequently, as the guard went round on Sabbath af- 
ternoons, to let out the brick yard hands and others, 
12 



194 THE LOST MUSKETS. 

when they came to our door, would say — " The preach- 
ers' cell is there; you need not look; they don't go." 
No. God kept them from even asking us. 

At one time there was some disturbance, and We 
were all sent in haste to our cells. We heard the offi- 
cers going from cell to cell, for a long time, searching 
them. As they came to ours, Capt. B. remarked — 
''•This is the preachers' cell; you need not look here;" 
and passed to the next. What was the matter? Two 
muskets were suddenly missed, and it was supposed 
some prisoner had hid them in his cell; but they did 
not even suspect that the persons whom they had 
charo-ed as being " worse than murderers, and meaner 
than chicken thieves," would do such a thing! 



CHAPTER V. 

BEGINNING OF REVIVAL— DEATH-BED SCENES &c. 
THE FIRST CONVEET. 

For some time we had observed E. R,, and now and 
then spoken a few words to him. Finding him quite so- 
ciable, well informed, and familiar with the scriptures, 
we were soon interested in his case. He also became 
attached to us, and took pleasure in our company. 
Finding him tolerably sound on anti-slavery, we took 
more interest in drawing out his feelings. He was 
particularly kind to us; and as he was allowed to go 
where he chose, he received many little favors from 
persons outside, which he gladly divided with us; thus 
bringing us apples, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, &c. By 
him persons would frequently send us favors, thereby 
manifesting their regard for the three abolitionists. 



THE FIRST CONVERT. 195 

About the middle of August, E. R. was evidently in 
a serious state of mind, and searched for the truth with 
an eagerness that indicated the workings of his soul, 
and the influences of the spirit. As his mind was a 
little confused on the subject of future punishment, 
we gave him the Christian Instructor to read, directing 
him to the chapter on this point. He read it with at- 
tention; his eyes were opened; he saw his danger and 
lost condition; and betook himself to pleading with 
God for mercy. The contest within was strong — 
whether Christ or Satan should rule over him — but 
grace triumphed, and he threw himself at the Savior's 
feet — a subdued child. 

During the afternoon of the twenty-first, (Sabbath,) 
be came to our door, and looking in, with a smile, said, 
*'I have had a hard struggle to day — 1 have overcome the 
wicked spirit." "Have you given your heart to God?" 
'' 1 have, and I feel his love in my soul." With the 
angels we rejoiced, and cried, '' Glory to God." We 
were encouraged to pray, and watch for opportunities 
to speak "a word in season." We pursued our toils 
with glad and light hearts. At evening, he would 
frequently come, a few minutes, just before we were 
locked up, and tell us how he prospered; what temp- 
tations, difficulties and trials he encountered; and with 
what feelings he met and endured them. This gave 
us opportunity to counsel, encourage, and strengthen 
him. His work, usually, was such as kept him out- 
side till the rest were shut up, then he would come 
softly to our cell, and talk till the guard came to lock 
him up. Thus we fed him, as a lamb, and ''strength- 
ened his hands in God," Here he would come, and 
hear us sing and pray, when he could not get in to 
join his voice with ours. Frequently, as we were at 
our devotions, we would hear his gentle footsteps, 
coming to unite his heart with ours. At one time he 
said, "I have had a severe trial, last night and to-day. 
I have been tempted to turn back, but I keep good 



196 DEATH-BED SCENE. 

courage." At another time, "Go as it may with me, 
jou have done me no harm, but much good." Jesus 
shall have all the praise. He talked with his cell- 
mate, and obtained his consent to let him pray with 
him, but could not get him to pray for himself. But 
I shall have occasion to speak of him again. 

FIRST DEA.TH-BED SCENE. 

On the twelfth of August, about midnight, the 
overseer came and called, — " George Thompson." 
''What is wanting, sir?" "I want you to get up a 
little while, to go and see Richards. We think he 
won't live long. Take your books, and read and 
pray with him. It can't do him any hurt, and it maj 
do him good." I was quickly ready. In the guard 
room I saw Pope Gorden, son of Capt. G., who said, ''Ask 
him if he wishes to send any word to his friends — 
and he may wish to confess something to you about 
the Bullard scrape" — (the murder of the former over- 
seer.) I went to his cell, but already was he beyond 
the power of utterance, and sinking in the arms of 
death. The short breath, the lixed and glassy eye, 
and the gnashing teeth, showed that he had but a 
short time to stay. He soon expired, and it is to be 
feared he exchanged this for the gloomy prison of 
eternity. We laid him out. and four of us remained 
there the rest of the night. I endeavored to improve 
the event for their good. The next day he was 
buried. The effect on the minds of the prisoners, 
was transient. This man had been tried on the charge 
of murder, al)Ovc mentioned, and acquitted. His dis- 
ease, I believe, was that mentioned in Prov. v: II. 

FRUIT, SABBATH, ETC. 

During peach time, bushels were brought in, and 
divided among the prisoners. Though confined in 
prison, we were not deprived of all the luxuries of 



REFUSAL OF SABBATH-GATHERED FRUITS. 197 

nature. On the third of September, I obtained per- 
mission, and went alone to the woods for pawpaws — 
and afterwards, in like manner, for grapes. At these 
times, 1 enjoyed the inestimable luxury of prayer, alone, 
in the grove, "Where none but God could hear." 
Others would go out on the Sabbath, and gather 
grapes, nuts, &c., and divide them among the prison- 
ers. When offered to us, we refused, telling them we 
could not receive things which were obtained by 
breaking the Sabbath. The rebuke was felt by pris- 
oners and officers, and the ''prison was shaken" mor- 
ally. But what if we had quickly received all they 
brought, disregarding the manner in which it was ob- 
tained? Of course they would have been encouraged. 
Can a man, with any consistency, say unto a thief, 
"thou shalt not steal," when he is ready to share 
with him the stolen property? So neither could we, 
with any propriety or efficacy, have opened our mouth 
for the Sabbath, had we given our sanction to their 
wickedness, by being participants of the ill-gotten 
articles. And so of any other sin. If we would re- 
prove with any cffi.>ct, wc must not be '■'• partakers of 
other men's sins." The same principle applies to 
slavery, and slave produce. 

PREACHING AGAIN. 

We had been without preaching about four months, 
when, on September fourth, a large number of Meth- 
odist ministers attended, and preached for us twice, a 
thing not done before. Conference was sitting in the 
city, and many came to see and do the prisoners good. 
Then, for the first time, about half the prisoners were 
assembled in one of the shops, while the rest sat as 
usual at their doors. The speaker, standing in a 
door, was easily heard both ways by all. It was a 
rich feast, once more to listen to the glad tidings of 
salvation. Never did a famishing man receive food 



198 DESIRB TO SPEAK IN MEETING. 

with more eagerness and pleasure, than we the words 
of eternal Hfe, after so long a famine. 

It was also a solemn time. Some, speaking of it 
afterwards, said that it made them think more seriously 
about their souls, than they ever in their life had 
done. We strongly desired to express our feelings — 
E. R, likewise. I asked one of the ministers to give 
the privilege in the afternoon. He consulted with 
Capt. B., who refused to grant it. But, at the close 
of the sermon, my soul was full almost to bursting, 
and I felt I must call on my fellows to come to Christ. 
I arose — said ^'I should like to say a few words to 
my fellow prisoners, if it would not be out of order," 
and began, when Capt. Burch cried out, ''It's out of 
order, Thompson, take your seat." His wife, who 
was present, on hearing this, burst into tearss. I took 
my seat — but the privilege of a social prayer-meeting 
then appeared more precious than ever! O, what 
would we not have given for the opportunity of giving 
vent to our almost bursting hearts, in exhorting sin- 
ners, and in testifying to the goodness of God! But 
this was denied us, and we '•'•withheld our tongue even 
from speaking good, because the Lord did it." 



REFLECTION. 

Ah! how little do they know what they do, who 
wilfully neglect the place of prayer! — or who, when 
there, arc backward, and even refuse to speak or pray! 
How little do they value that which is of such ines- 
timable worth! Yea, how would they prize and desire 
what they now so lightly esteem, were they once 
wholly deprived of it, as we are! Reader, I hope it 
may not be necessary for God to send you to a peni- 
tentiary, to make you prize and improve your high 
privileges. Then take a prisoner's advice, and be 
*' ready to every good word and work." 



THE CHAIN. 



19» 



For thus attempting to speak "in the name of 
Jesus," I was called before the "Grand Council," 
which consisted of the wardens, overseer, all the 
guards, &c. — a room full. Capt. Burch was the 
"speaker." I was "questioned in many things," but 
"finding nothing- how they might punish me," I was, 
for this grievous crime, sentenced to wear a heavy 
chain. I " departed from the council, rejoicing that 1 
was counted worthy to sufTcr shame for the name of 
Jesus." My chain I carried about with me, as my 
constant and precious companion, for ten days, at 
which time Capt. G. ordered it off. I rejoiced in being 
able to tread so much more nearly in the steps of 
Paul. The day after it was put on me, a wicked 
man remarked to his cell-mate, '-Now you see if some 
judgment don't happen to Capt. B, for putting that 
chain on Thompson." And so it was, for the Lord 
killed his horse; and unless he repents, that chain 
will appear against him at the judgment. Think not, 
reader, that we did, or do, feel a spirit of revenge to- 
wards Capt. B., or the most bitter enemy we may have. 
No, Oir from it. We heartily forgive, as we hope to 
be forgiven of God; and we would rejoice to manifest 
our forgiveness by acts of benevolence to them. 



THE DOOR OPENING. 



About this time, W. G. expressed a wish to be 
baptized, and wished counsel. While I was convers- 
ing with him one day, on the subject as wc walked 
across the yard, the overseer suddenly came round 
the corner of a building, and called out " What is the 
chat, Thompson?" I told him plainly. "Has G. any 
serious thoughts about Religion?" "He has, sir." 
"Well, if you and he or any other one, wish to con- 
verse on that subject, come to me, and I will gladly 
hear what you have to say. If any one wishes to 
converse with you about their souls, ask me, and you 



900 



TIIE DOOR OF USEFULNESS OPENINQ. 



shall have the privilege; for I am favorable to religion 
and have respect for it." Here, it will be noticed is 
an advance in opening the door for our usefulness. — 
We rejoiced in the prospect, and " took courage." 

We informed the seriously disposed of what the 
overseer said, and advised them to get permission, 
and come to our cell, expecting, of course, that he 
would be present to hear every thing. But as l^od 
always goes before his people, exceeding their peti- 
tions, and granting what they neither asked, nor had 
faith to hope for, so it was in the present case. 

On Sabbath morning, the eleventh of Sept., Capt. 
Gorden, came to our cell, bringing W. G. and G. G.^ 
saying, "Here is G. G.; he wishes to learn to read. I 
turn him over to you to instruct on the Sabbath. Al- 
so instill into him Christianity. As for W. G., he can 
read, and can speak for himself, and tell you what he 
wants." He left them with us, and departed. E. R. 
also came, and wc spent the day together. Then we 
felt that "-God had done great things for us." What a 
door was now opened! How gradually, and yet how 
rapidly did circumstances combine to bring abou.t this 
event! And to what can we ascribe it, but to the 
"good hand of our God upon us?" 

After prayer, we entered upon our work. Said W. 
G., ^ I know I have been '• born of the Spirit,' but the 
water is yet wanting." We then explained the nature, 
design, and mode of baptism — leaving him to satisfy 
his own conscience as to the form. And as he felt he 
ought, to be immersed, we did not attempt to argue 
him out of his opinion. 

G. G. was impenitent. We taught him to read 
and exhorted him to repentance. He tried to play 
the hypocrite, and came a few Sabbaths, but the fire 
was too hot for him, and he ceased coming. The other 
two continued to attend. AVe all studied the Bible 
together, sang praises, and then for the first time, for 
more than a year, united with others in social prayer to 



OUR LABORS BLESSED. 



201 



God, and listened to supplicating voices we never be- 
fore had heard. 

Oh, how did our souls rejoice — our bones fatten, and 
our tongues praise the Lord! It was far beyond our 
faith or our hope, and rebuked our unbelief. We 
could but exclaim, " What hath God wrought!" " Al- 
leluia!" " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to 
Thy name give glory," 

The two brethren " grew in grace," and increased 
in '•'• knowledge and utterance." At first, W. G. was 
diffident and confused — could say but little — but by 
going forward^ trusting in God, he gained the victory, 
and mounted up as on wings of eagles. 

THE METHODIST PREACHERS. 

On the twelfth, we were pointed out to companies 
of the ministers, who came to have a view of the three 
abolitionists. They gazed and looked — and looked 
and gazed — surveyed us on every side, and some seem- 
ed io pity — but we could not speak. We desired to 
ask, ''Watchman, what of the night?" but had to con- 
tent ourselves with praying, that they might open their 
mouths for the oppressed. "We are a spectacle unto 
the world, to angels and unto men!" When we were 
pointed out to strangers, every eye would be fixed up- 
on us, marking every turn, viewing every feature, our 
stature and form, as if to ascertain whether we were real- 
ly human beings, or such Jiends incarnate, as we had 
been represented to be. 

SECOND DEATH-BED SCENE. 

On the eighteenth of September, (Sabbath) as we 
were engaged in our social exercises, a guard came 
and called for me to go and talk with a sick man. 
He had been sick about two weeks — we had talked 
some to him, and saw that he was fast verging towards 



202 THE DEATH-BED. 

his end. As I approached the bed, it was evident he',had 
biit a short time to remain — what was to be done, must 
be done quickly, or not at all. He called me by name, 
but could only articulate faintly. His eyes sunken, 
his breath short and difficult, he was gradually sink- 
ing into the arms of death — sensible of his condition, 
but unprcpard to die. ''Do you think you shall die?" 
"Yes." ''Do you feel ready?" "No." "Are you 
willing to die?" "No." "Do you feel that you are 
a great sinner?" "Yes." I spoke of the Savior to 
him — what He had done — his willingness to pardon, 
even him, if he would now truly repent, and cast him- 
self upon him for mercy. I spoke of the thief on the 
cross — reminded him of his own condition, and asked, 
*' Can you not look to Jesus, and now cast yourself up- 
on Him?" "I donH knozo — Lord have mercy on me," 
said he, and continued to sink in death. 

I knelt by him, and prayed. Many others were in 
the room — some standing — others kneeling — some 
weeping, and others careless. 1 spoke a few words 
to those around, warning them against a sick bed re- 
pentance. He expired, leaving us to fear that he also 
had exchanged this, for the prison-house of eternity. 

We used our endeavors to have a funeral sermon, 
but to no effect. It will be observed in this instance, . 
that the door was opened wider, than at any previous . 
time. Notice further advances. Keeping in mind 
the character of our officers — the strict rules, and the 
odious name \vc bore, how plain is the '^good hand of 
our God!" 

THE CLOSING YEAR, 

Just fifty-two weeks, had passed away, when we 
were permitted to witness a very interesting scene. 
After preaching, W. G., was called forth by the minisr 
tor, (an Episcopalian) and questioned respecting his 
desire for baptism. Many of the prisoners accompa- 



BAPTISM OP A CONVERTED PRISONER. 203 

nied him to the river — and a crowd of citizens was 
present to witness the ceremony. 

As we stood upon the shore, while the sun was 
sending forth its last rays, from the West — there to 
unite in solemn prayer and praise to the Redeemer, 
and behold a dear brother publicly covenant to be the 
Lord's — to crucify the flesh — to resist the devil, and 
live only for the Savior. O! it was delightful! Who 
can imagine our joy, and exultation, as we returned to 
our " hallowed cell," to render thanksgiving to God for 
the wonderful things He had siiown us in the peniten- 
tiary during the year that was then closing? In look- 
ing back, and viewing our Father's hand at every step, 
we "'• thanked God, and took courage" — hoping, and 
praying for still greater blessings, which were abun- 
dantly bestowed in the succeeding year. 

THE SliEEPING GUARD. 

James, with myself, and one other, were at work in 
the city — our guard went to sleep — he was reported 
to Capt. G., who accosted him about it, and said to 
him, '•'■ These men do not need any one to guard 
them — but when I hire a guard, I want him to pay at- 
tention to his business, and do his duty.'''' Reader, 
what think you? '•'When a man's ways please the 
Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace 
with him" — So we found it. 

Oct. 15. A prisoner, who ate his dinner as usual, 
was taken with convulsive fits, and narrowly escaped 
with his life. 

Od. 17. An old man died, who had been sick a 
long time. We had no opportunity of conversing 
with him. He was a Catholic. 

Oct. 19. I obtained permission of Pope G., to go 
out and get some grapes, while my lathe was occupied, 
by another. On my way, I met Capt. G. "•Which 
way Thompson?" " I was going to get some grapes. 



204 THE DYING PRISONER. 

sir, while my lathe is occupied." '■'' Ah, Thompson, 
that won't count. I can find something for you to do," 
I returned with him, hut God recompensed his covet- 
ousness, a hundred fold; for on that same day, three 
valuable hands ran away ! 

Thus whenever they have attempted to afflict and 
oppress us, the hand of the Lord, in some judgment, 
has fallen heavily upon them ! 

THIRD DEATH-BED SCENE. 

Alanson's shop-mate, had been unable to work, for 
a long time, and about the middle of October was con- 
fined to his bed, from which he never arose. He all 
the time had his reason, failed gradually, and sunk in 
death. On the twentieth, Alanson talked with him. 
He expressed no fears oif death, but did not wish to 
die in a penitentiary! As if it would be thrown up to 
him in the eternal world — even in heaven! And this 
is the feeling of most here — that it is a great disgrace 
to themselves and their friends, to have it said of them, 
"He died in a penitentiary!" And the same objec- 
tion they have to getting religion here — put it off, 
promising to attend to it when they get free! But 
the monster heeds none of these objections and exci>- 
ses. He comes and with relentless grasp, lays his cold 
hand upon them — 

" Pursues them close, thro' ev'ry lane of life; 
Nor misses once the track; but presses on, 
Till, forc'd at last to the tremendous verge, 
At once they sink ♦***«*/" 

During the day, James went in to see him. Anoth- 
er prisoner, a physician, was standing by. The sick 
man looked on them and said, "one, a physician of the 
body; the other, of the soul." That night, James ■ 
and myself sat up with him. 1 asked, '•'• Is Jesus near?"' 
« I hope so." "Is he precious?" ^' Yes." "Areyoui 



AWFUL COMMINGLING OF GROANS. 205 

wflling to die?" "Yes; but I would like to see my 
wife and child." He then gave me a message to send 
to his wife, which I gave to Pope Gorden. Capt. Burch 
had just been to see him — left and went to the guard 
room; called out a number of prisoners; and while 
the long, mournful groans of the dying man were ring- 
ing through the hollow-sounding hall, at the same 
TIME, were mingled with them the noise of the strap 
and paddle joined to the shrieks and cries for mercy, 
of another fellow prisoner, beneath the torture!! 

O! it was an awful mingling of strange and discor- 
dant sounds! 

But such is the hardening influence of slavery, sla- 
very, SLAVERY! 

The poor man died at half past nine. We laid hin» 
out, and staid with him the rest of the night, busying 
ourselves in reading. 

The death of this man caused some solemnity among 
the officers, for they thought much of him. It was al- 
so a loud call to Alanson, as he was taken from his 
side, and from before his face. 

The whole business of chair-making now devolved 
on Alanson, bringing with it a weight of responsibility 
and care. It also brought him more into notice, and 
afforded him more frequent opportunities of speaking 
a word for the honor of his Master. 

EXPERIENCE MEETING. 

Abr. G. After shaving, the usual three were lock- 
ed up with us to study the Bible, sing and pray. We 
then had an experience-telling exercise, which was 
very interesting and profitable, as it made us better 
acquainted with each other's souls. 

W. G., before he committed the crime for which he 
came here, had been anxious for his soul, and felt the 
importance of being a genuine Christian. But a neigh- 
bor of his, had threatened his life, and was watching 



306 CRIME AlfD EXPERIENCE OP G. W. 

I 

for an opportunity to shoot him; so that he was in con- 
stant fear, day and night. He was much agitated. 
He felt he was not in a proper state of mind to repent, 
as he would be liable to be influenced only by fear; 
and his mind was so confused he could not bring it to 
bear upon the subject long enough to accomplish the 
work. He was in great distress lest he should be kill- 
ed and go to hell. And under this excited state of 
mind he was influenced to take the life of his enemy, 
not because he hated the man, nor because the man 
had injured him, nor merely to save his own life, but 
that he might have an opportunity to repent of his 
sins in a proper frame of mind! He felt that the act 
was very wrong, but felt impelled to do it, rather than 
be killed himself and go to hell. He was apprehended 
and put in prison to await trial. As he was on his way 
to the jail, he yielded his heart to God, while riding 
along the road; light and peace broke in upon his 
mind, and he was happy. Every thing appeared new; 
he felt himself a new mem, hut was doubtful whether; 
this was religion. (For the man was very ignorant,, 
and learned to read in jail.) He talked with one of| 
the guard, who was a baptist professor, who told him) 
his experience, and began to speak of his hope. This' 
was too dry for the new-born soul; he broke out, "My 
religion is better than that; it is stronger than a hopef 
I feel that I have it in possession.'''' 

In jail, he read liis Bible from morning till night, 
with much prayer, and was filled with joy and peace, 
unutterable. 

Then he could look at death and rejoice. -He wasi 
tried, and sentenced to be hung; the day of execu 
tion came; his funeral sermon was preached on the 
gallows' stand; the sheriff' showed him his watch and 
said, "•you have six minutes, sir, to live." During all 
this, his mind remained calm and unruffled; "none of 
these things moved him;" his wife and children he had 
committed to God; liimself, resigned to his will, he 



SELF DEFENCE A QUESTION. 207 

felt readj and longed "to depart and be M-ith Christ." 
But before the time had expired, a reprieve from the 
Governor came, saving his hfc, and sentencing him 
for ten years to the penitentiary. Said he " When 
the reprieve was read to me, I felt really disappointed. 
I felt that it would be belter to die, than suffer the im- 
prisonment." If e seems to be fast ripening, cither for 
some station of usefulness, or for heaven. He is will- 
ing to do any thing for his ]\Iastcr. There dwells with- 
in him a warm heart — a choice spirit — a noble soul. 

A REFLECTION. 

If any case of murder in self-defence is excusable, 
was not his? Mark, I do not say it 7oas. I say it was 
not — but "?/," «Src. How many thousand ministers 
and laymen pretend they would be \)crk'ci\y justifia- 
ble in taking another man's life to save their own! and 
that "too, when they profess to be prepared to die! Yet 
here is a man who took life, not only ii save his own, 
but principally to save his so?//, and he is condemned 
as a mnrdtrer! The Bible rails every man a murder- 
er, who wilfully takes the life of another, defensive or 
ofTensivc. But surely, with a very poor grace, can 
those persons who plead for selfdefence, charge W. 
G. with the crime of murder. If any man is justified 
in taking life, in self-defence, this man was doubly so 
— for not only love of life, but love for his immortal 
soul^ prompted the act. However, his feelings now, 
on that point, ought to shame every self-defence- 
Christian. Said he, "I would not do it now. If they 
want my life now, they can have it. I will not re- 
sist evil.-' That is good. He is a convict, but oh, 
that the majority of professors, had a double portion 
of his Spiiit. 

In the afternoon we had preaching — after which, I 
again requested the minister to administer the Lord's 
supper, not only to us, but to the other two brethren. 



208 THB BRETHREN, CAPT. B. AND A SEKATOR. 

He acknowledged the propriety of the thing, and 
promised to consult with the Wardens, but we heard 
no niorc of it. I continued to administer the' ordi-^ 
nance myself to the brethren. 



CHAPTER VI. 

PRISON SCENES— VISITS— REFLECTIONS, Ac. 

" THE STRONGEST TEXT." 

Nov. 12th was quite cold. W. G. had come to our 
cell as usual. Our clothing being thin, our blanket* 
few, and our bed broad, we all crowded therein, with 
our heads raised so that we could read, and thus we 
studied the Bible, fed the lamb, and strengthened each 
other. While we were engaged in this manner, Capt 
Burch and a Senator came into the cell. I arose, but 
the others clung to their warm nest. Capt. B. began — 
''G., what is their strongest text to support their doc- 
trine?" — (abolition.) G. not comprehending his mean- 
ing, and being confused, we replied, "We do not teach 
any particular doctrine, except that a man repent o( 
his sins, and love God. We can fellowship all who 
give evidence of being Christians." " But how will 
you judge?" "By the Bible, sir." '^But the Univ 
salists and others take the Bible." "Yes, but ' 
tlieir fruits shall ye know them.' " Capt. B, still wisl 
lo enquire of G. about the doctrine we taught. ^ 
said, " We have not attempted to instil abolition i 
the mind of G., as that subject is not allowed here.'" 
He replied, *'• But placed as you are here, you can't 
help talking — and having so good an opportunity, you 
must converse on the subject. I know that the prii»- 



MESSRS. SLOCUMB AND CHANDLER. 209 

oners talk; I know that I give rules which are not kept 
fifteen minutes, and 1 don't expect they will he kept 
when I give them." "But we have the fear of God 
before our eyes," said James. "And so do I have the 
fear of God before m^," replied the scorched and fiery 
drunkard. Then turning to the Senator, he said, 
"■Their doctrine is a reasonable one — that 'all men 
are born free and equal.' I agree with them in the 
theory, but when it comes to the practice of it, I can't 
go with them." The Senator asked, "Is there no way 
for the men to keep warm on the Sabbath?" "No 
other than that you see," said Capt. B., pointing to 
those in the bed. 

Nov. 30. Mr. Slocumb, a Presbyterian minister, 
and llinton, a Baptist, came to talk with us. They 
were very friendly, gave cheering consolation, and 
argued the subject of abolition. They said to me — 
"You are a professor of religion 1 suppose?" "Yes, 
sir." "You think you enjoy yourself here?" "I 
know I do — I am contented and happy." 

The next Sabbath, Mr. S. preaclied for us; and 
then, for the first time, all the prisoners were assem- 
bled in one room — the carpenter's shop. A Methodist 
minister, from town, came with him; and after preach- 
ing, they both, with Pope G., came to our cell. 

MESSRS. SLOCUMB AND CHANDLER. 

Mr. S. made many inquiries about us — names, resi- 
dence, sentence, &c. Said he, "It is hard, is it not?" 
"No sir, it is good to be here," I replied. Alanson 
said, "It is not pleasant to the flesh, but the confidence 
that it will work for good makes us happy." He was 
very anxious to try and do something "to bring us out 
of this place;" and as the giving up of our principles 
seemed to be the pivot on which our deliverance 
turned, he was anxious to convince us of our error, 
as he called it, and bring us to look at the subject in its 
13 



210 LOGICAL SOUXnERNERS. 

/rue light. 'Tor, said he until you can see and say that 
you have done wrong, and will do so no more, I feel 
that all I can do for you here, with this people, will 
be of little avail."' Accordingly they tried their rea- 
soning faculties, to convince us that what we did was 
legally and morally wrong, bringing the old illustra- 
tions of the sheep, horse, salt, ifec. The same kind 
of strange infatuation, and blind, mock reasoning, we 
had heard so often, that it was disgusting to us. We 
told tliem plainly, that we could conceive of no such 
thing as the slave being comparable to a horse — that 
■we could not admit the principle of property in man. 
We contended, "'■The slave is a man, and as such, has 
an indisputable right to himself, to his earnings, and 
to his liberty, (unless forfeited by crime.) and it is but 
iust and right to use any lawful means to aid him in 
obtaining that of which he has been so unjustly and 
inhumanly deprived." Mr. S, confessed that if he was 
in a free state, and a slave should ask his assistance, 
he would help him — not as a slave, but as he would 
any other man. Said he, •'I would ask no questions 
— I would not stop him." Mr, Chandler said, "We 
will allow our abolition friends to go thus far — they 
may help them after they get into a free state. They 
need not stop nor return them, but assist them if they 
choose." lie also acknowledged, " We ought to 
obey God rather than man" — that where human laws 
clashed with the divine, we ought to refuse allegiance 
to the former, even unto death. And again, he said, 
"■I see no reason why the whites should not be slaves, 
as well as the blacks." 

REFLECTIONS. 

They both contended that it would be larceny to 
deprive the owner of his slave, whether by enticing, 
threatening, forcing, ;or any other way, while he is in 
a slave state; but that it would be just and right to 
help him after he had escaped! What logic! How. 



WHEN YOU MAY ASSIST SLAVES. 211 

perfectly does slavery blind the eyes and pervert the 
mind and reason of those under its influence! Ac- 
cording to their doctrine, one man may help a slave 
across the river; another may take him to Canada. 
The former is guilty of grand larceny, the latter "has 
done that which is just and right." 

The very men who charge us with breaking the 
laws of God and man, in our attempt to aid a poor 
slave, on one side of the river; say they would help 
him, if he was on the other side! 

If a man comes into Missouri, and steals a horse — 
takes him into a free state, and delivers him up to an- 
other, the latter is not justified, but considered just 
as guilty as the former. But according to the reason- 
ing of Missouri moralists, he should be fully acquitted. 
The slave is property — the horse is property; both 
are taken from Missouri to a free State, and delivered 
up to another — parallel cases. But here they are not 
so fond of their horse illustrations. They are unwil- 
ling to carry out their principles. The man who helps 
away the property of another, after his comrade has 
brought it across the river, is accessory to the crime, 
and as guilty as the principal — so pronounced by the 
laws of God and man. Now mark — if the slave is 
property while west of the Mississippi river, he is 
when east of it; for certainly the bare crossing a 
river cannot change a chattel into a man — cannot de- 
prive of legal ownership — cannot destroy the right to 
recover that which has escaped; and if it is pro- 
perty, whether horse or slave, that has crossed into a 
free State, then to assist that property in escaping 
from its owner — to prevent his recovering what is 
legally his own, is evidently wrong. But slaveholders 
tell us we may help the slaves, after they get into a 
free state — wc may assist them in their struggles for 
"liberty and the pursuit of happiness." So said Gov. 
Reynolds, so say the clergymen of Missouri, and so 
say we. 



212 



NOT TAKEN WITH THE BAIT. 



And when they have granted this, they have virtu- 
ally said what we affirmed, that the slave is not pro- 
perty. As I said one day to Dr. JMoore, " So long as 
the slave is possessed of a rational mind — an immor- 
tal soul, it is out of the power of any or all human 
legislation, to change him into a piece of property. 
Rob him of these grand distinctions, and his body 
may be made a chattel, but not till then." After all 
the legislation, he is still a man ; and the laws of sympa- 
thy, of kindness, of humanity, and of God, are as binding 
upon us respecting him, in his low, suffering condition, 
as in reference to any other man in afflictive circum- 
stances. In view of the foregoing, then, our enemies 
themselves being Judges, when brought to the bar of 
reason, it is right to help the slave in a free state — 
thereby depriving them of what they call property — 
but which has been shown from their own concessions, 
not to be property — otherwise it would be wrong to 
deprive them of it. 

GIVING UP OUR PRINCIPLES. 

Dec. 18. Mr. Slocumb again preached for us, and 
came again to our cell for further conversation. He 
said he had talked with the Governor about us, who 
thought we might do much good if we would corre- 
spond with our friends, and entreat them to desist 
from their exciting work. "If this can be stopped, 
and you arc willing to use your influence to accomplish 
the work, then he (the Governor) may do something 
for you. Hut if you persist in your course, and main- 
tain your principles, you will have to stay your whole 
time out. You could have much influence with your 
friends, if you would only give up, make it known to 
them, and l)eg them to refrain • and be quiet. You 
suffer on accoimt of what they do, and you will have 
to stay your whole twelve years, unless your friends 
stop." How. clear that it is not felony, but doctrine. 



THE FOUR LEGISLATORS. 213 

that locks thf doors upon us. If we are willing to 
renounce our principles, and manifest the sincerity of 
our abjuration, by persuading our friends to do the 
same, or to hold their peace, and not speak against 
slavery, then the Governor will begin to think about 
letting us go! 

There is a something sweeter to us than liberty — 
namely, a dear conscience and our principles respect- 
ing ••' human rights." Liberty! It is but trash when 
put up as a price for the renunciation of those great 
principles, founded on that immovable basis — the word 
of God. Yes, we deem them too dear to be bought or 
bribed away from us by life even, much less by what 
is called liberty ! 

THE LEGISLATORS. 

During the sitting of legislature, we were often vis- 
ited by crowds of the members, who would inquire, 
dodge and look, to get a view of the abolitionists, and 
then gaze and stare, more like idiots than statesmen! 

On the 25th of Uccember, (Sabbath,) four of them 
came to our cell to ^ gratify their curiosity," and learn 
our principles respecting helping the poor. 

They inquired how we felt about the deed which 
brought us here. We answered, ^' We feel that we 
acted imprudently, but that we did not sin. They con- 
fessed that slavery was wrong; "Buthow shall we do? 
Our legislative bodies know not what course to adopt." 
Said I, '' Send your statesmen to me, I can tell them 
what to do, very quick." "■ Well here are four legisla- 
tors, you can tell us." "Why just stop doing wrong. 
Abolish your wicked, oppressive laws, and at once en- 
act those which are just and righteous. Just take 
your foot off the neck of the slave and let him get up; 
and no longer rob, spoil, whip and oppress him." 

"O! if we do that, they will cut their masters' 
throats, and raise insurrections!" 



214 THE PRICE OF LIBERATION. 

"Sirs, which is most calculated to exasperate them 
to such desperation, robbing them of every thing that 
is dear in life, and acting the part of a cruel tyrant 
towards them — or paying them for their work, and 
treating them kindly? If they do not rise up and cut 
your throats when you are heaping all manner of abuse 
and outrage upon them, is it at all according to reason,-- 
observation, or good sense, (hat they will be thus en- 
raged because you come to them in the spirit of kind- 
ness, and say, *•• I have been treating you wrongfully; 
I am sorry for it, I will do so no more. You are all 
FREE 3IEN; and now, if you will work for me, I will 
pay you your wages." Is it the nature of kindness to 
provoke?" They could not get over it. 

I appealed to the Bible in support of my positions. 
He replied, '' I do not pretend to be a religious man, 
who takes the Bible for his guide." Suffice it to say, 
we gave them a compendium of abolitionism, which 
was not very palatable. And we rejoiced in having 
the privilege of lecturing boldly in the center of Mis- 
souri. Here we may preach the strongest anti-slavery 
to ministers and statesmen, and no man dare lay his 
hands on us. Here we can pray and '^cry aloud," 
with no fear of molestation! Behold the wisdom of 
God. 

RENUNCIATION AGAIN. 

While pursuing our avocations, we were all three 
railed for to go to the guard room, v\'here we found Mr. 
Slocumb and James Gallaher waiting for an interview 
with us. Mr. S, was very anxious to induce us to 
concede, so far as to secure executive clemency, in our 
behalf, as also Mr. G. 

Mr. S. '-Can you not feel and say that you have 
done wronu: — that your views were mistaken and un- 
sound? How far can you, in conscience, renounce 
them? I may secure the inlluencc and talent of the 



RENUNCIATION. 215 

Legislators in your favor. If you continue to per- 
sist, and refuse to yield and confess publicly, there is 
NO HOPE of doing any thing for you. Petitions will 
be of no avail, and ail that I or any other man can say 
in your behalf will be in vain so long as you remain 
inflexible on this subject. 

I have talked with the members respecting your case ; 
and the other evening I met a large room full of them, 
to whom I mentioned the subject of your deliverance. 
Those who were from the interior and back parts of 
the state, who had heard and felt but little of the ex- 
citement, would converse with calmness, and reason 
upon the subject; but those from the eastern borders 
would take fire in an instant at tiie mention of the thing, 
and were so excited that they could not speak of it but 
in very harsh language." 

He spoke of the increasing excitement in the com- 
munity, and said, " If this state of things continues, it 
will tear us all to pieces as a nation, and fill our land 
with carnage and blood; but if you will only renounce 
your views, it will have a tendency to quell the ex- 
citement and cool down the abolition fever." 

Mr. Gallaher also said — " I have no doubt that if it 
was known to the people of Missouri that you had giv- 
en up your principles, they would very soon be recon- 
ciled and willing to sign a petition for your release. 
If the exciting cause could be removed they would ea- 
sily forgive and forget, and you w ould be delivered. 
But so long as that remains which caused the irrita- 
tion — hatred and prejudice — any effort foryour deliver- 
ance will be useless. 

As Mr. S. wished some answer, full and definite, and 
not having suflicient time then, 1 proposed writing out 
our views and feelings, frankly and fully, that it might 
be known just where we stood — what we could do, and 
what we could not do. They wished it written in such 
a manner that it could be published, (hoping it would 
be of such a character as would please slave-holders,) 



516 ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE. 

SO that the people might be induced to act for us. I 
accordingly wrote; and as the letter cannot be obtair^- 
ed,I will give the substance of what we addressed 
^' To the Governor and Legislature of Missouri, — Men, 
brethren, and lathers," &c. We stated how long we had 
been here — how cheerfully we had toiled, and contented 
and happy wc had been, amid all our sufferings — the 
thing we attempted to do, namely, to help a poor man 
across the river, who asked for our assistance, and the 
feeling which prompted us, pure love — that we had no 
other feeling than love^ toward those who had been 
most active in sending and holding us here — that we 
would as soon help the most bitter enem.y we had as 
the most wretched slave living — that we should remain 
cheerfully and work faithfully, just so long as they saw 
proper to hold us. We stated plainly how far 
we could go, and how far we could not go, that we 
could not refuse to "open our mouth for the dumb," 
for God had commanded it — that we must " cry 
aloud, and spare not, and show the people their 
sins," for it was heaven's injunction — that we could 
not assist to return, or to stop tlieir slaves who 
escaped, for God had said, " Thou shalt not deliver 
unto his master, the servant that is escaped," and 
WOE to those who do it — that we could not say we 
Avould not help them on their way, for this was comman- 
ded by God — that we could not give up one single prin- 
ciple which we conceived to be truth, and founded on 
the word of God, for liberty, or life itself — that much as 
wc valued the blessings of freedom, of Christian society, 
and the house of God, and ardently as we longed to 
be preaching the gospel to those in midnight darkness, 
we could not, on any conditions, purchase these privi- 
leges, by any act, which we should lament on a death 
bed, or at the day of judgment. That if they wished 
us to say, we would not come to this State, to help 
slaves away, so far we could promise, and no further 
(not because it would be sinful so to do, but unsafe) 



ADDRESS TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE. 217 

— that our writing to our friends would not stop the 
excitement; for it was their putting us here that caused, 
and their holding us here, that continued the excite- 
ment, and all they could do or say, while they held us, 
would only be pouring oil on the fire — that if they 
wished to "stop the excitement, they must let us go. 
We informed them that in sending us here, they had 
confined three men, who could not say or do much, 
any how; but in consequence, thousands had arisen, 
and would rise up in our stead, who cow/rf speak, write, 
and act with efliciency and power — that though we 
had been, by an earthly tribunal, condemned, we had 
taken an appeal to the court of the universe^ which 
was recorded— that there we were sure of being ac- 
quitted, for Jesus Himself, would be our advocate and 
Judge. 

Wc reminded them of the tears, groans, and pray- 
ers of the widow and fatherless (Mrs. Work and fam- 
ily) which they must meet at the last day, and other 
things not now recollected. What was the effect, per- 
haps will not be known till it is divulged to an assem- 
bled world. We followed it with many prayers, but 
heard nothing of it, till about four months afterwards. 
Mr. Gallaher called again — said he saw it at the oflice 
of the Governor, '' but it was rather too high toned to 
suit." 

REFLECTIONS. 

From the foregoing (as also from more that will come 
hereafter) what can be more evident, than the fact 
before affirmed, that it is our sentiments respecting slei- 
ren/, that placed and detain us here in the penitenti- 
ary? And that too, in a land of liberty! where free- 
dom of thought, is allowed, and liberty of expression 
tolerated! Yes it is clear, ''Put a gag in your mouth 
— wear our slavery goggles — sear your conscience — 
harden your heart — stop your " ears against the cry 



218 



SUFFERINGS FROM COLD. 



of the poor" — stupify and destroy your moral sensi- 
bility, so that you can connive at slavery, then we will 
sign a petition, and use our utmost endeavors to have 
you speedily set at libcrtj !" Such is the plain Eng- 
lish of their propositions, and actions. '•'Doctrine! 
doctrine!" Yes, blessed be God that it is doctrine, 
and not crime. For our doctrine we rejoice to suffer, 
and to lay down our livcs^ if need be. 

CLOTHING DURING THE WINTER OF '42 AND '43. 

As the conduct of Capts, B. and G., had been such 
toward the Prisoners, that they had little or no hope of 
heing able to lease the establishment again, they were 
desirous to expend as little as possible, and make as 
much of what they had, as they could — and so did not 
buy any fresh supply of winter clothing; but arrayed 
us in the mock covering of the patched rags, saved 
from the fire, leaving many of the prisoners to suffer 
extremely, by day and night. 8ome, who were more 
adept at stealing, and '• shirking for themselves," wore 
two pair of summer pantaloons — others, and the ma- 
jority, were dressed in the had-been clothes. Many, 
during all the severities of winter, had nothing but a 
shirt, a once-zcas roundabout, a thread-bare cotton pair 
of trowsers, a pair of shoes, and perhaps an old pair 
of socks, and perhaps not. Neither was there a 
change of shirts, but if we wished a clean one, we 
must go without, till it could be washed and dried. 

In this plight, we were driven througii wet and dry, 
rain and snow, cold and heat. I myself, with others, 
worked in town, on the top of buildings,in winter's pierc- 
ing days, witli only my thin, ragged, cotton pantaloons 
to shield my body from tlie sleet and winds — chilled 
from morning to night. But by most, the night was 
more dreaded than the day — for instead of bringing 
them release from their sulforings, it only added to 
them. Their covering was so very insufficient, that 



PATIENT IN TRIBULATION. 219 

they could with difficulty, keep from freezing. We 
know from our own experience, what it was, though 
many were much worse off than we. With many, 
getting vrarm in a cold night, was altogether out of the 
question. And during the latter part of the winter, 
the rags would scarcely hang together. With num- 
bers, they were not sufficient to cover their nakedness, 
as legislators and others can testify. Some were driven, 
to such extremities, that they were obliged to buckle 
their blankets about them, lo hide their naked bodies! 
O, we w^ere a pitiable company indeed! Our appear- 
ance, even made the legislators turn their heads, and 
draw their faces with scowls of pity. 

Let no one think this is the language of murmuring 
and complaint. We had better than we deserved-^ and 
felt that we received what infinite love, wisdom, and 
goodness saw best for us. And from these trying cir- 
cumstances we learned many important lessons. We 
were reminded of thousands in a worse state. We 
learned sympatiiy for the poor — "to feel another's 
woes," to pray for the needy and destitute. As our 
tribulation abounded, so our consolation abounded, 
"that we might be able to comfort them which are in 
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves 
are comforted of God." We can testify to his faith- 
fulness, in su[)porting and comforting his little ones, 
even in fiery trirsls and deep waters, if they will only 
trust in Ilim. We can testify to the sufficiency of re- 
ligion to make its possessors happy, in the absence 
of outward comforts — in the midst of deprivations, 
hunger, cold and nakedness — in sickness, poverty and 
reproach — in prisons, chains, and weariness. O, it 
was then^ that religion was sweet to our souls, and 
seemed more lovely than ever. 

TREATMENT OF THE SICK UNDER G. AND B. 

It was their language to the prisoners, "We 
don't wish any man to work, who is sick," but their 



22U 



il^.Vl.i^^.x ji. V/x' liiii biUIii 



actions, which spoke louder than their words, were 
quite different. Men did have to work, when they 
were sick, and scarcely able to walk. And I have 
seen the poor sufferers driven like beasts, to labor in 
piercing cold weather, when they were shaking like 
an aspen leaf, with the ague — others that could with 
difficulty walk straight, ordered to their " burdens " — 
others who could hardly hold up their heads, compel- 
led to continue their work, and others were driven till 
they could go no longer, and fell to the ground in a 
swoon ! 

It was not thus with all — there were some favorites^ 
to whom they paid more regard. The diet of the 
sick was almost uniformly, a little mush and molasses. 
Those who were not able to be about so77ie business, 
were frequently locked in their cold cells, not even al- 
lowed to come to the fire — and that too, in severe win- 
ter weather. But this was not always the case. 

If a man was sick on the Sabbath^ it was all well 
enough — but if on a week day, a storm of oaths and 
curses, complaints, and lies, might be looked for, from 
the officers. The Doctor came two or three times a 
week — and when he was here, it would remind one of 
'nhe sick, halt, maimed, and blind, at the pool of Be- 
thesda, awaiting a cure — to see them linger around 
the door, each waiting his turn to be called before 
him. It mattered not much what the complaint was. 
a dose of pills was the usual medicine, to be swal- 
lowed with cold water. We have great reason lor 
gratitude, that we had not much need of his services. 
And when they were confined to their beds of straw, 
or hard boards, they had no soothing voice, to cheer 
and comfort them — no angel-hand to minister to their 
necessities — but it was roughness, indifference and 
neglect. One man, who was sick, and confined to his 
cell for two weeks, had no one to sit up with him, nor 
even a light, till the night he died. 



THE BLIGHT OF SLAVERY. 221 

Toward the latter part of the time of these wardens, 
the sick, who were confined to their beds, had a Httle 
better attendance — some one to wait on them a little 
during the day, and to sit up with them at night. 

Now to what shall we trace the cause of this inhu- 
manity, this driving, this indifference to another's 
woes? Is it thus in civilized countries? Are the sick 
thus treated in prisons, where slavery does not exist? 
It is a well known fact that slaves are treated similarly 
and worse — half-naked, half-starved, driven early and 
late, urged on by the lash, their aches and pains disre- 
garded, and when they can go no longer, cursed, be- 
cause they can't work. 

Yes, to the influence of slavery in hardening the 
heart, and creating a. habit o[ treading down the poor, 
must be ascribed the reason of this barbarity. 

O, slavery, thou cruel monster! when will thy death- 
knell be proclaimed, and from thy curse, my country- 
men and brethren be redeemed? 



CHAPTER Vli. 

TERM OF CAPTS, GORDEN AND BURCH CLOSING. 
PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD.. 

January 1st, 1843, we observed as a day of fasting 
and prayer, for the conversion of the world. Though 
shut up in prison, we could not feel ourselves released 
from obligation to those who sit in the '•'region and 
shadow of death." And though by providence pre- 
vented from going tp them — from calling on the ser- 
vants of God to awake — from uniting vocally with the 
thousands of Israel — yet in heart we rejoiced to unite 



^2 INTELLIGENCE FROM THE LORD. 

in seeking Zion's welfare, bj beseeching her King to 
extend and multiply her victories, till the nations 
should cheerfully submit to his sway. Placed as we 
"were, we knew comparatively little rei^pecting the 
state of the church, and the world — the position, the 
two contending armies maintained in relation to each 
other, consequently we could not pray so definitely as 
others — yet we had the great directory, the prophecies 
and promises of our Lord; and on his faithfulness, we 
could cast ourselves, and plead their speedy fullill- 
ment. 

Frequently we were favored with the perusal of 
various newspapers, from which we kept a general 
idea of the condition of the world. At times we have 
been constrained to shout aloud, by the intelligence of 
the onward march of truth and liberty ! And we have 
been encouraged to pray that God would "overturn, 
overturn, overturn,'" "till the kingdoms of this world 
should become the kingdoms of our Lord, and his 
Christ" — that lie might "• reign forever and ever."' 

By law, we were forbidden '• to receive any periodi- 
cal." How did we get them? The Lord sent them. 
His wisdom and power, found ways enough to convey 
to us such intelligence, respecting his cause, as we 
most needed, and at the time we were in the greatest 
want of it, thus cheering our souls, and increasing 
our faith. If we were praying for the Jews, and ar- 
dently M ishing to know what was the prospect of their 
return and conversion, a paper, or a piece of one has 
fallen in our way, giving us the desired knowledge, 
which we received as from God. 

If we were imploring the blessing of heaven on the 
representatives of our nation assembled at the Capi- 
tol, in due time, God has sent us the intelligence, that 
tjiught us Aow, and what to pray for in their behalf — 
that they might repeal all unholy and oppressive laws 
— "execute judgment" — "break every yoke," and 
" let the oppressed go free." To the distant rumblings 



THE SYMPATHIZING GUARD. 223 

of the chariot, we have listened with attention, mark- 
ed the movements of providence, and the ''signs of 
the times," watching for the dawning of that day, 
when " the wickedness of the wicked shall come to 
an end,"' and the " earth be filled with the glory of 
God." 

Thus our heavenly Father has been faithful to send 
us just the things we needed, and we have " lacked 
no good thing.'''' 

Jan. 2. While a number of prisoners were at 
work about seven miles distant, one was taken unwell, 
quited work, became speechless, and died in a short time. 
He was a wicked man — was brought here and buried. 

THE SYMPATHIZING GUARD. 

About the middle of January, James, myself, and 
three others, were finishing off a house in town. By 
the fire, I talked considerably with the guard. Among 
other things, he said, "• There are many who sympa- 
thize with you; and if you conduct yourselves as you 
have thus far, you will not stay your time out. The 
Book tells us '' that all things work for good to them 
who love God" — not a /;«//, but ali* things — and 
this dispensation, undoubtedly will be for your best 
good.,'^ &c. So we believe, felt, and kiiew, for He 
cannot lie that has promised." 

Jan. 26. I went to the cell of W. S., who was 
very sick with pleurisy, to converse about his soul. I 
asked, "Arc you ready to die?" He replied, "-Yes, 
long ago." '•' Do you think you would be happy?" 
"Yes." "Are you willing to die? ''Yes." "Can 
you commit your family to God, and trust Him to 
take care of them?" "lean; I leave them with him. 
If it is his will, that I should die now, I am satisfied." I 
then prayed with him. Hereafter, it will be observed, 
we were with the sick considerably. To enjoy the 
privilege of talking and praying with them, we es- 



I 



2^' FOURTH DEATH-BED SCENE, 

teemed an invalublc blessing. And I wonder, Chris- 
tians are not more anxious to get around the beds of 
the sick, and dying. It is so profitable to the sick 
and well — the dying, and the living! Why is it, they 
are so backward? Is it because they do not like to 
be so forcibly reminded of their own destiny? Of 
this, we cannot think too much; nor be too well pre- 
pared, to ^'depart, and be with Christ." 

FOURTH DEVTH-BED SCENE. 

C. was a cripple, in his hands and legs; and had 
endured a great amount of sutfering in his tin^. As 
he could not ivork^ he had been the principal one to 
sit up with, and wait on the sick, for some time. He 
had attended on a number, till their spirits took their 
llight. He was present at the second and third death- 
bed scene." But now (February) A/s time came to- 
be waited upon, and ministered unto. James was. 
with him one night — Alanson two, and myself five 
nights. At these times another sat up with us, thus- 
giving us an opportunity to converse freely with them^ 
Avhich we endeavored to improve. During the three 
last nights I was with him, and had frequent occasions 
to speak a word for my Master, as many came in to 
see him. At one time, I talked with the overseer, who 
came in, and remarked, ^'Oh! it would be better for 
him to die, if he was prepared — that he might be freed 
from his troubles, and sufferings." I spoke of the im- 
porUmcc. of being muhj /o die, at any time — and men- 
tioned the case of Moses Hunter, who said, on his 
dying bed, '• My work of preparation for death, was 
done years ogo.''^ He listened attentively, and serious- 
ly. On the night of the eleventh, as the sick man ap- 
peared rational, I asked. '• Do you feel that your sins- 
are forgiven?" He replied, " Yes." '■•If you should 
die now, do you expect to be happy? '•'' Yes.'^ 
•i' Are you willing to die?" "Yes." *' Shall I pray 



THIEVES REFORMING THIEVES. 225 

with you." " Yes." I did so. At one time, he seem- 
ed very earnest in prayer himself. I could not under- 
stand all he said, but he closed distinctly, "for Jesus' 
sake, Amen." lie soon died, and was buried as a 
brute is buried. I was fearful he was trusting to his 
morality — but the judgment will show. 

VARIOUS INCIDENTS. 

Many of the prisoners come here, dressed in the 
highest style, expecting to have their clothes again, 
when they go out into the world. The law also make* 
such provision. But the best of the clothes, were 
taken by the officers, and sold — the proceeds of which, 
they put into their oicn pockets — thus as really steal- 
ing, and ROBBING, as did the thieves who wore them 
here ! 

Frequently prisoners brought money with them 
which was never returned. And when men had serv- 
ed their time out, they were put otf with some ordina- 
ry, half-worn, and perhaps patched suit of clothes; 
with, it may be, one dollar; some, fifty cents; some, 
one shilling; and some, nothing, to go forth into a 
strange and hostile world; thus, as it were, driven, or 
at least tempted, to steal again, the first opportunity. 

And the most of the remaining clothes which were 
worn here were given to the men inside, to cover their 
nakedness during their last winter, and worn out, to 
save them from buying any new supply! 

Such was the honesty of men placed over thieves to 
reform them! 

ARDENT SPIRITS, 

Many of the prisoners have frankly confessed — ''It 
was whiskey that brought me here. Had it not been for 
whiskey, I should never have been here," &c. With 
many it has been the immediate cause of their coming 
here, and with others the remote. The immediate is 
where they have committed the crime under the influ-' 
U 



226 INTEMPERANCE AND CRIME. 

ence of liquor. This class is numerous. Again, by 
drinking they have been led into bad company, and 
thus tempted to do what they would not have done un- 
der other circumstances. Of this class there are many. 

A case of the remote cause. C. lived in N. Y., and 
was much given to drinking. At a time when there 
was a demand for soldiers in the west, he enlisted when 
he was drunk, Avas shipped to N. O., and from there 
up the Missouri river, to one of the forts. After a time 
he deserted, stole a skiff, and was coming down the riv- 
er, when a colored man asked the privilege of riding 
with him. He took him in ; but at St. Charles was ar- 
rested, put in jail, tried for stealing a slave, and sentenc- 
ed here for seven years. Though years intervened be- 
tween his being drunk and his coming to the peniten- 
tiary, yet how obvious is it that whiskey was the cause. 
He felt so. 

P. R. cannot read. He was drunk, and traveling 
to a certain place. A slave with whom he was ac- 
quainted had stolen two of his master's horses, overtook 
R., and asked him to ride, saying, ''I am going to the 
same place." He mounted the horse, but when he be- 
came a little sober he learned that the slave was run- 
ning awa)'; divulged the fact at a tavern; was arrest- 
ed; charged with stealing the slave, and sent here for 
two years. 

I might trace some causes even more remotely. Ma- 
ny are here for stealing, stabbing, murdering, «kc., in 
a fit of intoxication. Others, who never stole or did 
any ilagrant crime, by drinking, have associated with 
thieves and such characters, have been taken up on suspi- 
cion and sent here. And were the real truth known, 
doubtless it would appear that alcoholic drinks have 
been the proximate or remote cause of three fourths 
of the prisoners coming here. O! the misery, despair 
and death of the intoxicating glass! 



J. J. is a free colored man. A slave girl, in or near 
^t. Louis, had an iron yoke on her neck, which, she 



A NOVEL CASE. 227 

• 

complained, was choking her. He took a file and cut 
it off! For this he was arrested, charged with stealing 
the girl, and sent here for three and a half years, which 
he faithfully served ! What will they not make out 
'•' stealing'' next? This is only a specimen of slave- 
holding justice. Truly a man must be careful how he 
looks at a slave, lest his pity should move! 

J. J. took it very cheerfully; felt that he was suffer- 
ing in a good cause, and would do the same again if 
occasion required. 



THE HYPOCRITE 



J. P. was a very intelligent, loquacious man. He 
soon attracted our notice, and was very free to tell us 
his history at different times. 

I lent him a short but very pointed tract. When I 
questioned him about it, he replied, " I thought when I 
got to i\\e penitentiary I should not be troubled with 
appeals to the conscience, on the subject of religion: 
h\x\.\^r\di they follow me here. Poor man! For many 
years he was one of the most active and zealous mem- 
bers of the Church in Philadelphia — engaged in sab- 
hath schools, bible classes, prayer meetings, in desti- 
tute portions of the city — missionary and bible socie- 
ties, &:c., &c., but he frankly confessed, " It was all to 
secure the favor and influence of certain rich mer- 
chants in the Church, who, I hoped, would take no- 
tice of me and set me up in business ! !'''' For a long 
time he professed to desire to study for the ministry, and 
plead with different ministers to aid him, but says, "mj 
whole motive was selfishness — ^ popular education P 
He was one who assisted in burning the Pennsylvania 
Hall — came to St. Louis — was clerk in a store — stole 
some thousands of dollars from his employer, and 
was sent here, for four years. Are not the motives of 
many in the Church similar? " Search me, O God, 
and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts." 



228 



GAMBLERS' HAPPINESS. 



In conversation with gamblers and high-way robbers, 
who have had many thousands of dollars at a time, 
they have confessed, "It did me no good. All that I 
ever got in that way never did me any good. The 
thought of how it was obtained would spoil all my en- 
joyment." This was the confession of Elijah P. I.ove- 
joy's murderer, of whom I shall speak hereafter. Said 
T. J., "• All that I ever procured in that way never ben- 
efitted me any. I never derived any profit from it. 
Somehow it would slip away as easily as it came." 
And he has handled much. W. W. confessed, "■ In 
all my scenes of mirth, riot and wickedness, I never 
knew what real happiness was; never felt any thing 
worthy the name of happiness." Mark! these are 
not the words of converted men, but of those who con- 
tinued to cleave to their folly. Many have confessed 
similar things. " There is no peace to the wicked." 

W, P. was born and brought up in N. Y. Said he, 
'*• Many a time has my mother got up at twelve and 
one o'clock at night and gone to the city (a half mile) 
to hunt for me, found mc at the card table, and led me 
home." When grown up and in husiness the habit 
followed him. By gambling he lost his property. lie 
'•* could not dig, and to beg he was ashamed." The 
next step was to rob some one, for money he must 
have. Then conscience would trouble him; and to 
drown its whispers, free use was made of the bowl. 
Whenever he reflected, and called to mind his old 
motiicr, he was miserable, and woukl rush to the tav- 
ern or grog-shop to drown his feelings. Thus from 
step to step, he advanced, till he landed here, for ten 
years, charged with highway robbery ! Said he, " I 
deserve every moment of my time in this place." He 
promised an amendment, and swore entire abstinence 
from li(|Uor, forever. 

In giving this sketch of his case, I draw the picture 
of very many here. They have pious parents, broth- 
<:rs and sisters; but liquor has led them to the card- 



MUST HAVE SATISFACTION. 229 

table, the gambling shop and "• the way to hell;" this 
company has led them on to new scenes of wicked- 
ness; and thus proceeding, they have hardened their 
hearts, and seared their consciences, till they have 
" sold themselves to work wickedness," with all their 
might. 

SATISFACTION. 

A number here who confessed themselves guilty of 
what they were sent here for, told me, "-I will never 
give another man whom I rob the opportunity to ap- 
pear against mc in court" — meaning they would kill 
him on the spot. 

And a great many talk about getting " satisfaction," 
when they get out — some by killing their prosecutors, 
or those who appeared against them in court; some, by 
flogging; and others by stealing from them! They 
say, ''I must have pay for all the time I spend here," 
by stealing and robbing whom and where they can. 
If one gets into difficulty there are generally enough 
to step forward and swear him innocent. 

A highway robber told me all about the circum- 
stances of his knocking a man down and robbing him; 
and yet, in court, he had three witnesses to swear he 
was in bed at the time the deed was done ! That is 
the way they do it. 

Another, who ran away, said, '^I had three men who 
swore I had been sick in bed five weeks in St. Louis, 
when I had been but three weeks from the penitentia- 
ry !" What is an oath ! 

THE wonder! 

I confess I never before knew what an amount of 
wickedness there is in the world — that every town and 
city, river and rail-road, steam-boat and stage is infest- 
ed by such connected gangs of thieves and robbers 



230 



KEFLECTIONS. 



and murderers, who are disciplined and taught the art 
from childhood; and who make it their only business 
to go from place to place, dressed in the garb of gen- 
tlemen, to lay hands on every thing they can, not car- 
ing for tears, groans, nor life even, if they may but 
succeed! But very little do we yet know. Still there 
is an eye which sees the whole, and will one day bring 
it all to light. 

O! what a sight will be presented before the uni- 
verse ! 

REFLECTIONS ON THE FOREGOING PAGES. 

Keep in mind the character of the men, we, to this 
time, had been under — slaveholders — profane, blasphe- 
mous, sabbath-breakers, God-hating, and enemies to 
all good; — connect with this the treatment we have re- 
ceived, the privileges enjoyed, the opportunities of 
usefulness granted, liberty to write and receive freely 
on the subject of religion, to sing, read and pray as 
heartily as we chose, and to converse with our fellow 
prisoners — and how manifest to every one is the hand 
of the Lord. 

Such things could not, humanly speaking, have been 
looked for, or hoped for. 

But ''It is the Lord." '•'lie hath done all things 
well." If this truth is evident from the foregoing, much 
more will it appear from what is to come. Reader, 
'•' Because I have said these things, do you believe" 
that God will take care of his own in every situation? 
Follow, and " thou shalt see and hear greater things 
than these." 



PART THIRD. 

CHAPTER I. 

TERM OF CAPTAIN RICHARDS AND JUDGE BROWN. 
NEW WARDENS. 

By all the prisoners it was understood that at that 
session of the legislature, (Feb. 1842,) the penitentiary 
was to be sold, for ten years, to the highest bidder. 
In almost every bosom, there was an anxious solicitude 
as to who should be placed over us. A thousand in- 
quiries were made, and reports were circulated, but 
"we gave ourselves to prayer," knowing that it was 
the liOrd, who could raise up and cast down, and send 
us whom He chose. 

Thus, by casting our care upon God, we were sav- 
ed from the manifold anxieties, and gloomy forebodings 
which agitated the bosoms of the ungodly. They oft- 
en thought of their sufferings, and cruel treatment, 
and had many apprehensions concerning the future. 
But with the settled assurance that the '■'' Disposer of 
all events," would place over us just such men as 
would on the whole, most glorify his name, we were 
composed — and feeling that the character of the men 
might depend on our prayers, we earnestly "besought 
the God of heaven," if it could be possible, to give us 
men who would fear his name, and seek the spiritual 
good of the wretched prisoners. We knew, that no 
one could obtain the station without his consent, that 
our " good " was secured by eternal promise^ and 
therefore we were satisfied. 



232 



THE EXAMINATION. 



On the IGth Feb. 1843, the new Wardens took 
possession — giving security for the sum of fifty thou- 
sand dollars, for the use and profits of the prison for 
ten years. The morning we spent principally by 
the stove reading, while the majority were locked in 
their cells. In the afternoon a committee from the 
legislature, came to examine into the condition and 
circumstances of the prisoners. We were all assem- 
bled in the carpenters' shop, where we passed before 
the committee, one hy one. The principal questions, 
were such as follows, "llow long have you been 
here?"' ^^ To stay?" ^^ Charge?"' ^'Guilty?" ^' Enough 
to eat?" '- Comfortable clothing?'' '^ Work hard?" 
'^ Work when sick?" ^'Treatment when sick?" ^'Read?" 
"Write?" "What your occupation before coming 
here?" &c., &c. They wrote down the name, age, 
where born, whether he could read or write, occupa- 
tion, &c. of each one. They listened to some pitiable 
tales indeed — for some of the prisoners had such an 
inveterate spite against G. and B., that they '■'• brought 
out the whole budget" — staling what kind of food 
they had been obliged to eat — how they had suffered 
day and night with the cold — that they had not had 
a clean shirt for four, six, or eight weeks — being driv- 
en to work, with two large chains on, when they were 
so sick they could scarcely walk, &c. 

Sometimes they would ask, "Are those all the 
clothes you have?" '•• Yes sir" — which wrung a scowl 
and long sigh of pity, even from those wicked men. 
They manifested their enmity to us. Dr. Nelson, and 
the Mission Institute. 

RECOMMENDATION TO THE WARDENS. 

James was in the sick room, just above the guard- 
room, where he overheard the following, as the new 
officers were making many itupiiries about the prison- 
ers. "Well, what kind of persons are the abolition- 



CHARACTER OF NEW OFFICERS. 233 

ists?'' Mr. B., an old guard, who was generally kind 
to us, replied," O they are first-rate fellows — they will 
do no harm. I let them go just where they please. 
They would not run away, should the gate be left wide 
open. Without an honorable discharge they won't 
leave." He came into my cell, a day or two after, and 
said he had given us a good name to the officers, and 
wished us to conduct ourselves exemplarily, and we 
would fare well. 

See here ■•' the good hand of our God," in causing 
one who had long observed us, to speak a word in our 
favor, to those who knew us not, and were probably filled 
with prejudice against us! " Blessed are all they who 
put their trust in Him." Reader, try it. 

The next morning we were all assembled; and in 
the midst of the crowd, Judge B. mounted on a bench, 
read to us some Ruks^ with various remarks. Said if 
we behaved well, we should be treated well — but if 
any were lawless, means would be employed to make 
them obey; when any were sick they should be well 
taken care of, &c. Reader, remember this promise. 
For a few days, very little was done, but to sit around 
the stoves. Soon they concocted their plans, and be- 
gan to tear down the middle wall, which furnished 
work for some — but who should go? For many had 
not clothes sufficient, to venture forth into the cold — 
and some had neither clothes nor shoes. We had 
opportunity to read considerably. 

CHARACTER OF NEW OFFICERS. 

Judge Brown is a member of the Presbyterian 
church, Capt. Richmond, of the Baptist, and the Over- 
seer, of the Presbyterian. At first, they all manifest- 
ed much kindness toward the prisoners. They seem- 
ed to take an interest in their eternal welfare, as will 
shortly appear — but this feeling gradually wore away, 
and its place was supplied by a spirit of indifference, 



234 POINTS GAINED. 

and contempt of a convict's welfare, as the reader will 
notice in the sequel. But many very important points 
were gained, under our new officers. 

1. All chains were taken off, and every man placed 
on a new probation — the past was all overlooked, and 
opportunity given to each one to secure favor, by his 
good conduct. 

2. Swearing was not only prohibited among prison- 
ers, but there was a corresponding example, on the part 
of the officers. 

3. All Sabbath-work was stopped, for about one 
year. 

4. The shaving was changed from Sabbath to Sat- 
urday. 

5. A Chaplain was appointed by the State — as also 
Inspectors. 

6th, We enjoyed free opportunity of talking with 
the prisoners — though it was forbidden, yet we were 
never reproved for so doing. 

7th. We had a godly overseer for one year, to 
whom we could go with freedom and confidence. He 
would listen to a prisoner's talc of grief, and try to 
comfort and relieve. He was remarkably kind and 
gentle. 

When the first Saturday came, with what anxiety 
did we watch the movement of things! And when 
we saw the men being shaved, and found ourselves 
without a beard before the Sabbath, and saw them cut- 
ting wood enough to last till Monday — O, how our 
hearts leaped for joy! How did we bless and praise 
the Lord, that our eyes were permitted to see such a 
change! Then we perceived it was not in vain to 
pray — for with joy we beheld an answer to our many 
and oft repeated supplications. The blessing, so long 
im])lored, was uns|)eakab]y sweet and precious. We 
had very many times, '•'•in our hallowed cell," plead 
with God to send us a man fearing him and loving 
souls — to bring im end to Sabbath shaving. And to 



HARDENING INFLUENCE OF POWER. 235 

see these blessings granted — to feel that they came 
from God in answer to prayer, was cheering to our 
souls, reviving to our faith, and encouraging to our 
hearts. We felt almost as if we were in a new world. 
We were, by all the officers, treated with more kind- 
ness and respect than we could have expected, and al- 
lowed to cell together, as formerly. 

HEART-HARDENING INFLUENCE OF POWER. 

For some time our officers were kind, and made 
many promises of what they would do in future. For 
example, the wardens, overseer, and Capt. R.'s son, 
time and again, promised us a Sabbath School. Said 
J. R., (the son,) ''When we get our Sabbath School in 
operation, you will have an opportunity to do good to 
your fellow prisoners, by teaching them." This was 
glad news, indeed. Capt. R. said, "-We shall have a 
Sunday School, and shall set you to teaching the 
prisoners. We intend to give all who wish, an oppor- 
tunity to learn to read and write, and endeavor to send 
them forth into the world, honest and useful citizens." 
These and many similar promises greatly rejoiced and 
elated our hearts. For these things we had been 
praying again and again; we spoke to them about it, 
but they "said and did not." No Sabbath School 
came — nor were any taught to read or write, though 
many ardently desired it. Our entreaties and argu- 
ments were all ineffectual. 

They solemnly promised that they would keep no 
guard who would use profane language before the 
prisoners. After a few months, guards were heard to 
swear, unblushingly. I went to the officers time and 
again about it. "O, we can't help it. It can't always 
be avoided" was the reply — and a guard could swear 
as much as he pleased. I was telling J. R. how much 
I had been annoyed by profane guards, previously. 
He remarked, "I am not a Christian. I sometimes 



236 GOOD PROMISES BADLY KEPT. 

swear, mjself, but I will not do it in the presence of 
any one whose feelings I know it will wound." This 
respect for a prisoners feelings did not last long. He 
also stated, "■ We nnean to do all we can to make the 
prisoners happy and contented with their lot. It is 
bad enough at the best, and we wish to regard their 
feelings, and consult their comfort and happiness. I 
shall treat every one kindly, and I am determined 
that no one shall hear an unkind word from me so 
long as I stay here." 

But his professions were not carried out, though he 
always treated us kindly. Use and authority soon 
hardened his heart, so that like Hazael, he could per- 
form deeds of cruelty and barbarity, the thought of 
which, a short time before, was revolting to his mind. 
Though he remained here only a little more than a 
year, he became a perfect tyrant to the prisoners gen- 
erally. 

Capt. R. professed to feel for the prisoners, and did 
treat them kindly for a time, but his heart also soon 
became unfeeling, so that he could disregard and con- 
temn a prisoner's sufferings, to a degree that was 
shocking. He came to the cell of one who was un- 
well one morning, and had not yet got out of his bed, 
and said, " W., why are you not at work? Get right 
up, and come out here (juick, and gO' along to your 
work, or Til flog you like a dog. Come, be quick.** 
Another had made repeated applications to stop, be- 
cause he was sick. I saw him — I worked with him — 
I heard him complain — 1 saw his swollen legs, upon 
which he could scarcely stand, frequently having to 
lie down. He was driven on until he suddenly fell to 
the ground in a tit! 

I have seen Capt. R., ac;ain and again, walk up to 
a prisoner, and with his hickory cane repeatedly try 
his strength over the head and shoulders of the suf- 
ferer, who dared not resist, and that, too, when thcro 
was no occasion for it. 



THE KIND OVERSEER. 237 

Judge B., who was so gentle and kind, at first, has 
hardened with an amazing rapidity, so that a pris- 
oner's comfort and happiness, health and life, are re- 
garded with shocking indifference, neglect, and even 
contempt. 

All this tenderness, and sympathy, and attention to 
the happiness of the prisoners, by degrees passed 
away, and a want of feeling for another's woes, was 
exhibited, that was truly awful. And about in pro- 
portion as the press of business increased, did this 
disregard of the pains and ills of the sufferers increase. 
So true is it, that people do not know themselves until 
they are brought to the test. Such is the deceptive 
nature, the hardening effect, and the too common 
fruits of power, when not under the influence' and 
government of religious principle, of holy love, of 
enlarged philanthropy. 

Poor, ragged, ignorant back-woods-men, come here 
and hire out for guard, and they soon seem more 
lordly and of greater consequence than monarchs. 
It is laughable and disgusting to see them. 

PARTIALITY. 

Soon after the change of officers, one of the guard- 
rooms was set apart as a hospital, to which the sick 
were removed. James being sick, was taken there. 
We had free access to him, and to all in the hospi- 
tal — to talk and pray with them. 

Also we were permitted to remain there, by the fire, 
sabbath days, while the other prisoners were locked 
up in their cold cells. There we read, sung, and 
prayed, with all who came — and enjoyed some pre- 
cious seasons. Our kind and good overseer, would 
come in, and talk freely with us — tell us his experi- 
ence, sing, bring us religious newspapers, — in short, 
he seemed not so much like an overseer, as a brother^ 
who delighted in the image of Christ wherever found 



238 PRIVILEGES. 

— in high or low, bond or free — though in a despised 
C07ivict! 

In the time of G. and B., we were not allowed to 
lend our books — but these men came to us and said, 
'•'•You must lend your books to the prisoners, till we 
get some — and do them good in this way." We re- 
joiced to do so. 

The prisoners finding that the officers would let 
them write letters, many made application — soon an 
order was given, that no prisoner should have more 
than a half sheet at a time, but they alway J^ with one 
or two exceptions, gave us a whole one, and as often 
as we desired, for the first two years. A frequent 
objection to our letters was, '•'•They are too long.'''' 
Now while we were under G. and B., those extremely 
wicked men, that objection was never mentioned to 
me, though I always interlined, and filled my sheet — 
but so soon as covetous professors of religion take the 
place, they can't spend time to read such long letters! 
It is very strange, yet such is the truth. However, 
they sent our letters, for which they have our thanks. 

I also was privileged to write letters for other pris- 
oners, who could not write; and for numbers who 
could write, because they thought I could do it better. 
In this way 1 preached the gospel to many afar off— 
to wives, mothers, children, friends — to the widow and 
fatherless — the bond and free — directing them to Je- 
sus, for comfort, amid their sorrows — to the widow's 
God, and the '• Father of the fatherless," for support 
and defence, while the husband, father or son, was 
shut up in prison. And often, while reading to the' 
old gray headed father, what I had written to his chil- 
dren, would the tears abundantly flow — and the eyes of 
the son, would pour forth a flood, as he heard what I said 
in his name, to the old father, or widowed mother, 
from whom he had run away. And then to read the 
answers to some of these letters, in which were the 
rejoicings of the aged widow, united with those of 



WORK. 239 

brothers and sisters, over a " son that was lost, but 
now found," was truly cheering, and abundantly re« 
paid me for all my trouble. For some seemed almost 
to overlook the crime, the suffering, and the disgrace — 
so great was their joy to hear that their son or brother 
was jet alive, that their many prayers were answered, 
in their conversion to God, though by means so differ- 
ent from what they had marked out. Again, and 
again, have they sent their thanks to me, from distant 
States, free and slave, for the interest I had taken in 
the welfare of their unfortunate children or brothes. 

OUR WORK. 

Alanson continued as before, at his chair making, 
with the addition of spinning wheels, large and small 
— having frequent opportunity to converse with cus- 
tomers, about their souls, or concerning the news of 
the day. No one to hurry him, or find any fault with 
his work, he did much as he chose, taking care how- 
ever, not to give prisoners or officers, occasion to com- 
plain of him. He was faithful to his trust. At one 
time he said, "• Sometimes I am tempted to be lazy, as 
no one looks after me, to see whether I do little or 
much; but then I think, that the angels and God, are 
looking at me — our friends, and the anti-slavery world 
are watching eagerly to see if we will work cheerfully 
and faithfully for the poor slave, and at my work I go 
with new resolution, and vigor." So we all felt. 

James continued his carpentering, when he could 
work, (being sick much of the time.) for nearly a 
year. The cause of change I shall mention in its 
place. I worked at turning awhile — then carpenter- 
ing sometime — then spinning bale-rope about four 
months — then weaving bagging about one year and 
a half — lastly in the waggon shop, sixteen months, inclu- 
ding about four months of sickness. At times, I 
worked a few days at other things, but such was my 



240 CHANGES PREACHING. 

general employment — pursued with much pleasure, 
while I felt that all was for the cause of humanity. 

Our food continued much as hefore — generally, corn 
bread and bacon — now and then, some potatoes or 
turnips, hommony, or beans. 

In the spring, a long table was prepared, in one of 
the halls, and all ate together at breakfast and din- 
ner — having our corn bread, in our cells at night. 
With this arrangement, our overseer, introduced into 
the prison, for the first time since its commencement, 
the practice of publicly seeking from God a blessing 
on our food. This was new to the prisoners, and 
made many of them very angry. Frequently the vict- 
uals would be very poor, then to hear a blessing asked 
over "-sucA'' food would make them curse Christians 
and their God. The overseer often called on Alanson, 
James, myself, or W. G. And when he was absent, 
one of us was always spoken to. This state of things 
continued only during the time of this overseer. 

For some months, the sick were treated with a good 
degree of attention. The officers would come to see 
tliem, and find out their wants — but this, as I have 
already intimated, soon passed away, and the sick 
have been left to suffer unaccountably. The young, 
inexperienced, ignorant, unfeeling f/oc/or, was thexause 
of more cruelty towards the sick, probably, than all 
the ofiicers together — for he liud the porcer to see that 
they were well taken care of — but he was bribed by 
the ofllcers, and sought not the good of the prisoners, 
but the favor of his employers. But facts, hereafter 
shall speak for themselves. 

PREACHING. 

The first two sabbaths we had no preaching. As we 
were in the hospital, on the next sabbath, reading and 
praying, the overseer came in, and said, ^' We have 
been talking below, and I have come up to see if you 



AN EFFECTUAL DOOR OPENING. 241 

will preach for us this afternoon, if the minister does 
not come." I told him I was willing so to do. But 
the chaplain came, and preached to us his first sermon. 
He is a warm hearted, zealous Methodist preacher — 
generally very earnest in his exhortations to saints and 
sinners, and helped us to do good. 

After sermon, he called on me to pray. This was 
another new thing which caused much talk among the 
prisoners. We felt that God was fast opening " a 
great and effectual door" of usefulness, for which we 
desired to be prepared. We had long been praying, 
and looking, and waiting, but now we saw the clouds 
dispersing; the sun began to shine, and we could see 
our way more clearly. We were greatly encouraged 
to look up, and ask for "■ great things" — to "• open our 
mouths wide," and to "commit our way unto the 
Lord/' 

"sing us one of the songs of zion." 

March 12. We had spent our Sabbath in the hos- 
pital, as usual, with James, who was there sick. 
Alanson and myself had retired to bed, but soon a 
guard came for me, saying, "I want you to come into 
the hospital and sing for us." So of old, "They that 
carried us away captive, required of us a song" — but, 
blessed be God, that we were not obliged, through 
grief and sorrow of heart, to say, "How can we sing 
the Lord's song in a strange land?" With joyful 
hearts we arose and went. The guards, five or six, 
were assembled, and we sung some of our favorite 
pieces for them. 

OUR FIRST PRAYER MEETING. 

19. After preaching, I went to Capt. R., and asked 
permission for a few of us to have a season of prayer 
together in the Hospital. It was granted. We as- 



212 THE FIRST PRAYER MEETING. 

fcmbled — eight in number — sung, prayed and ex- 
horted. In addition to our usuaL praying number, 
J. D., our colored l)rother, was present. He had fre- 
quently conversed with us on the subject of his soul's 
salvation, but this v/as the first opportunity we had 
of praying with him. He was considerably broken 
and confused, bul in earnest. An old man who was 
present and heard him pray, said, ''I did not know as 
old J. had got along so far as that." He confounded 
the wicked. 

W. S. was sick in the Hospital. After we had 
sung and prayed, he broke forth as follows, "I feel 
the love of God in my soul. Jesus is precious. He 
is very sensibly and feelingly ner^r. O, if I had a 
tongue, 1 would persuade all to go to glory with me, 
• but I am too weak." 

It was a precious little season to us, and a com- 
mencement of a series of meetings never to be for- 
gotten. True, our number was small, yet we were 
enough to claim the promise, ^'' Where two or three 
are assembled together in my name" — no matter where, 
though in a prison, enclosed by high walls, secured by 
locks and iron gates, or in a dungeon, or a cave — 
''there am I in tiie midst of them." 



CHAPTER II. 

PRAYER MEETINGS-CONVERSION OF SINNERS, &c. 
THE REVIVAL. 

March 25. I had considerable conversation with 
J. R. about the spiritual wants of the. prison, and 
begged the privilege of a stated prayer meeting, 
every JSabbath morning, promising that'll would hold 



STATED PRAYER MEETING. 2f3 

myself responsible for any misconduct that might 
occur in meeting. He spoke favorably, and said, ''I 
will talk Vv'ith my father, and let you know." Accord- 
ingly, the next morning, (vSabbath.) I was called down 
to the guard room, where were Capt. R. and others. 
He said, "-Wo have concluded to grant you that privi- 
lege, and you can have your meetings in the hospital." 
O, what glad tidings were these to our tliirsly souls! 
Our hearts leaped for joy at the prospect of again 
exhorting sinners to '■'■ flee from the wrath to come," 
and pointing them to the Lamb of God. The thoughts 
of our prayer meeting, during the week, would lighten 
our toils, and sweeten all our cares and pains. We 
gavv clearly that l^od "-had not despised the afHiclion 
of the afflicted," nor withheld any good. 

At our next meeting, about a dozen were present, 
and interest was manifest. The number continued to 
increase. The attention of the impenitent was ar- 
rested. The Lord heard prayer and blessed his own 
truth, so that while some came from novelty, others 
evidently had an arrow in their hearts. 

In our exhortations, singing, and prayers, we aimed 
at the immediate conversion of sinners — beseeching 
them to come to the Savior — tearing away their ex- 
cuses — and, from our own experience, testifying to the 
excellency of religion, and to its power to support and 
cheer, even in these trying circumstances. 

We soon had evidence that the Spirit was in our 
midst, seconding our feeble endeavors, and pressing 
sinners to forsake their evil ways. 

We had a few meetings, when one with whom we 
had frequently conversed, cried aloud for mercy. This 
not only encouraged us, but it aflected the wicked, 
and a '••shaking among the dry bones"' was observable. 
Some mocked "and ridiculed, while others became more 
serious, and anxious to attend the meeting. They 
tried to harrass and vex the convert, but he bore it 
with patience, and continued to pray with us. 



244 



COMMUNION SEASON DOUBTS. 



Soon another was anxious to know what he must do 
to be saved. We talked with him privately, and he 
made up his mind fully and deliberately to serve the 
Lord. Though both were extremely ignorant, being 
scarcely able to read intelligibly, yet it was exceeding- 
ly interesting to hear them pray. Their broken and 
half choked words, — disconnected sentences and ideas 
were "• music to our ears." One of them in prayer, 
used this language, '-O Lord, we are here in this 
dreadful house of bondage. I thank Thee for the priv- 
ilege of praying together in this little cell. I aever 
expected such a great privilege," &c. 

April 9. Attended the communion, inviting W. G. to 
unite with us. xVt the first suggestion he was pleased 
with the idea; but soon expressed doubts as to the 
propriety of the thing without a regular minister. We 
reasoned the case with him — showed the general na- 
ture of the command, explained the design of the ordi- 
nance, and gave him what light we could. A icvf days 
after, he came and said, "■! have been studying and 
praying over that thing, to know my duty, and I have 
come to the conclusion that it is right for me to unite 
with you."' lie came, and for the first time, obeyed the 
dying command of our Lord. He was much blessed, 
and greatly strengthened by tlie occasion. It was 
sweet to feed this lovely lamb. O, how eagerly he 
would drink in the truth! 

April 11. W. F. P. came to my cell, with whom I 
conversed and prayed. lie says, "I feel that I am for- 
given for the past, and am now determined to live for 
God, the rest of my time." Bless the Lord ! 

A DREAM INTERPRETED. 

With II. B. I had frequently conversed, when at 
work — he always acknowledged the necessity of a 
change — knew his duty, but said, '*I am so wicked, it 
seems like I could not bring my mind to the subject. 



THE DREAM INTERPRETATION. 245 

Sometimes I feel as if I could forgive my enemies, then 
again I am all full of revenge." One morning he told 
me his dream, which I interpreted, according to the 
event, though it did not come to pass, for perhaps six 
months. The dream — ''1 saw a very beautiful bird 
of exquisitely fine colors, beyond any thing I ever saw, 
or can describe. It was called the King Bird of Par- 
adise. I pursued it through thickets and thorns, over 
stones and logs — amid many difliculties, falls and 
bruises, but finally I caught it, and it was the most 
delightful creature, I ever saw in all my life." 

The interpretation. — "-The King Bird of Paradise" 
is the Savior^ the '•''chiefest among ten thousand, and 
altogether lovely," The "thorns, logs, rocks, bruises, 
falls," «fec., are the trials and sufferings through which 
you are now passing. And happy indeed, would you be 
amid them all, if by these afflictions you should be- 
hold, and embrace the blessed Savior, 

He afterwards acknowledged the interpretation 
abundantly true — frequently blessed the Lord for all 
these afflictions, which had been the means of leading 
him to Jesus, and in strong terms expressed his peace 
and happiness, as far beyond any thing he ever expe- 
rienced while at liberty. 

He came to our prayer meetings, became interested 
for his soul's salvation, and would freely weep, w bile I 
presented Jesus before him with entreaties to repent 
and accept of his salvation. I conversed with him pri- 
vately, urging him to immediate submission. 

His wife came to see him. After she left, I asked 
him,"- Have you given your heart to God, and deter- 
mined to serve Him?" "-Yes, I have resolved to serve 
God, and do right the rest of the time I have to live." 
•■^Didyou tell your wife so?" "Yes, and she smiled, and 
said, I think we shall see happy days together yet." 
He came out a burning Christian. 

Many things in his case would be interesting to the 
reader, but should I mention half the particulars du- 



246 RELIGIOUS INTEREST INCRE.VSIXO. 

ring the revival, they would swell this volume to an 
immoderate size. An outline is all I can present. But 
I will mention one thing ahout H. B. When he was 
converted, he was a perfect slave to tobacco — it had 
heen all his comfort. Before he came to prison, he 
was a " great drinker" too. But mark, when he sub- 
mitted to God, and turned enemy to his ?ins, he ''swept 
the board" — swore eternal abstinence from liquor, and 
cast away his tobacco pouch, to touch it no more. The 
habit was strong, but he cried to God, to subdue the 
desire, and in less than a week, he was a free man, 
though in prison. O, that his example might shame 
any of my readers who may use this "■ abominable 
thing." 

The interest increased, and we multiplied our meet- 
ings — not that we trusted in them, but so great was the 
wickedness here — anxious sinners confmed with the 
vile who did all they could to turn them away, and there 
being no place of retirement, almost the only hope 
seemed to be, to get them alone, or in a meeting and 
press them to submission on the spot. 

The sick increasing in the hospital, and some of 
them being low, we met in our cell, which accommo- 
dates about thirty persons. It was soon crowded — we 
preached Christ, and invited weeping sinners to 
Jesus. The T.ord blessed the truth — and to all it was 
evident " Truly God is in this place." We felt it and 
rejoiced. 

Perhaps I cannot better give the reader an idea of 
these scenes than by quoting from my journal, where I 
recorded circumstances and the spontaneous overllow- 
ingsof my soul, as they occurred. 

1 had informed the Chaplain of the state of feeling, 
and advised him to call the anxious forward. The 
next Sabbath is described in myjourn;il as follows. 

Jlpri/,'M). '-Alleluia!" Salvation has come with 
power. Prayer meeting in the morning; after which, 
when we were locked up, I preached in my cell to six 



THRILLING SCENE. 247 

brethren, fellow prisoners, from Acts ix: IG. New- 
born souls rejoicing! Prayer meeting again after din- 
ner; deep interest. The Chaplain brought with him 
another brother, who preached, from Ileb. iii: 13, a 
very searching sermon and cutting appeals concerning 
the "dcceitfuiness of sin." The anxious werc-called 
for; eight rushed forward, dropped on their knees and 
begged for mercy, sobbing and gioaning aloud. The 
Chaplain prayed and called for others to follow; — 
James and myself did so. It was an awfully solemn 
scene. The mass of the prisoners crowded around to 
gaze. The officers were present. 

After meeting, I led them to my cell, and O! v»hat n 
sight! Here were the murderer, the highway robber, 
the profane, the unclean, the thief and gambler, pros- 
trated, crying for mercy, and yielding themselves to 
God. 

Glory! glory! glory! The tiger is changed into a 
lamb, the vulture to a dove. One cried, '■'I am lost, 
I am lost, I am so wicked.*' '■'• Submit to God," I cried. 
'•1 will," said he. Another — '•! will go with you. I yield 
to God forever, and will serve llim." Amen. Anoth- 
er — •' I submit to God. I yield to Him body and spir- 
it, to take me and do as He sees best." Hosanna! 
Another— ^-1 will serve God." ''When?" '^Now. 
I will obey Him." O, reader, I cannot present this 
scene before you in words. Had you been here, you 
would have heard them bewailing, before an offended 
God, their mountain-towering sins — seen them tremb- 
ling with fear of being rejected and cast off, almost in 
despair — some calling for '• mercy, mercy, mercy," — 
others, '•'•there is no hope for me, I have been such a 
great sinner; no hope," &c. AVe felt that it was a 
critical time with them, and pointed them to the 
"Lamb of God," beseeching them to look, believe, 
submit, and yield their hearts to Him. It was solemn 
as death. 



248 



REVIVAL WORK. 



We almost forgot we were in a prison, where the 
rules strict!}' forbade our speaking to a fellow prison- 
er. We could not hold our peace. Speak we must, 
and speak we did, •• no man forbidding."' 

We now saw a great work before us, in watching 
over and instructing the lambs, searching out the anx- 
ious and warning the careless. But blessed be God 
for our good overseer. His heart was also in the 
work. He conversed with prisoners about their souls, 
and allowed us to do the same with freedom. 

May^ 2. Conversed with C. S. in my cell — a very 
interesting case. Said he, " They point at me, they 
laugh and make fun of me, but I am determined not to 
care for it." He is very decided. Prayed with me — 
the first time he ever prayed in English. He is a Rus- 
sian — talks well — is very forgiving toward enemies — 
and thanks God fqr sending him here. 

3. Talked with J. M., but he did not submit. • 

4. Talked and prayed with him; he also prayed 
and signed his name to an article of entire consecra- 
tion which I drew up. He seemed to be in great dis- 
tress — would give or suffer any thing, if he could only 
feel that his sins were forgiven. When we arose 
from prayer, he looked round the cell and said, '^ Your 
cell is a palace, and you are happy in it, but I am mis- 
erable.'' I reasoned and plead, but tremble for 
him. 

5. JNIet, in F. D.'s cell, with three converts and 
an unbeliever — talked and prayed — a precious season 
— delightful to hear the babes pray and praise the 
liOrd. The sinner would not bow. Glory to God! 
for sending me to a penitentiary to preach the gospel. 
J.ast night, with the sick. 

G. Saturday evening prayer meeting here with the 
converts, after they had finished their work. They 
are very anxious to get together — could not wait for 
the Sabbath. O! how '-' the good hand of our God is 
upon us!" 



GLORIOUS DAYS. 249 

7. Glorious Sabbath! Murderers and thieves sub- 
mitting to God — converts rejoicing and praising their 
King, and pleading for sinners who are trembling be- 
neath the load of their guilt. Three prayer meetings to 
day besides preaching. In one, the Chaplain was pres- 
ent, and heard them tell what God had done for them. 
In sermon he spoke of the prayer meeting, and urged 
all to attend — there is full liberty for all who wish to 
attend. I have all talk and pray who profess to be 
converted. 

9. James with the sick — Alanson staying with S. 
to talk with him — J. S. and E. S. with me. Talked 
and prayed. They give good evidence of being truly 
converted. 

12. W. B. with us — formerly an ignorant catholic 
— has been very wild and profane — lived eighteen 
years without going into a meeting house — but truth 
reached his heart, and he trembled in view of his sins 
— now seems penitent, humble, decided, ready. 

13. Saturday eve. Meeting full of interest and 
"warm hearts. 

14. The most glorious day I have seen! The pow- 
er of God wonderfully displayed. In prayer meeting, 
four new cases of conversion; cell crowded to over- 
flowing; converts mounting higher and growing strong- 
er; while the long-hardened tremble like Belshazzar. 
Preached to twelve converts, in my cell, from Luke 
ix: 23. In the afternoon, a powerful sermon — six new 
ones came forward — I talked and prayed with them, 
"no man forbidding." Glory to God! 

19. A. D. with us to stay all night — appears well. 

20. A good prayer meeting this evening, 

21. The work is rolling — glory to God! Two 
new cases in the prayer meeting. Preached to a 
crowded cell, from Luke xv: 26 — 33. O! what 
scenes! Hosanna! E, R. is overflowing. He talks 
and prays like a preacher. His whole soul is in the 
work. At one time he said, " I find that the more 



250 A murderer's confessiox. 

of the spirit of religion I possess, the more of an 
abolitionist I amV This is good. 

In the afternoon divided our prayer meeting, and 
filled two cells — James and Alanson, conducting one, 
and I the other. Glorious! glorious! 

Said old J. D., "• God is stronger than the devil." 
Yes, indeed. 

E. P. lovejoy's murderer. 

23. Last night, J. M. cut his throat — bled three 
quarts — still alive. This is all from unbelief, which 
drove him to despair. Submission to God would have 
saved him all this. See May 3d and 4lh. 

Just here I will say what I have to say about this 
person. He came here on the nigiit of the fire. 
J worked with him some time. lie told me all about 
the Alton '■'• scrape" — acknowledged he was one of 
the leaders of the mob, and was the man vvho fired 
the building. He and a young doctor (he would not 
give the name) swore to each other as fellows, that 
he, (J. M.) would ascend the ladder, and lire the build- 
ing, if the doctor would shoot dead the first man who 
should come out of the door, to shoot him. E. P. 
Lovejoy was the first, and was shot dead, by the 
young doctor. J. M. was indicted, and tried for arson. 
Mr. U. F. LInder, the ringleader of the mob, plead 
his cause, and he was cleared, but banished from the 
place. Subsequently he was engaged in house rob- 
bing, and an attempt to murder a woman — and came 
licre for seventeen years. lie is said to be guilty of 
various other murders. 

lie professed to be anxious about his soul, for a 
time — became sullen and downcast — cut his throat, 
which was sewed up — two days after, he picked up a 
hand ax, and stiuck a prisoner on the head, hurting 
him severely. When asked <i-h>/ he did it — he replied, 
'•I felt it my diilij to kill somebody 1" He was locked 



LOVEJOY's MUKDERER A BREAK. 251 

in his cell, where he tore his hlanket into strips, and 
tried three times to hang himself from the iron bars 
of the window, but the string broke every lime. He 
was chained to the floor — tore open his throat wound — 
wished the officers to give him a rope, and let him 
hang himself— then begged that he might drown him- 
self, &c. A desperate character. lie was one of 
MurrilTs right hand men — and told me of many of 
his deeds of robbery, kidnapping, stabbing, knocking 
down, &c. 

While working with him one day, he remarked, in 
the presence of (he guard and myself — ''•There is a 
man in Ohio Penitentiary for ///iccn r/rars, for a crime 
which I committed myself. lie is perfectly innocent, 
and knew nothing about it!" 

Can nothing be done for that man's release? There 
arc alo men in Missouri prison, for what others did! 
One slaveholder served two years there for what his 
davc did! 

28. Four new cases. Interesting prayer meeting, 
a bundle of tracts given to us, forwhich we are thankful. 

June 1, James quite sick — chaplain came to see 
Iiim. 

7. Last night staid v»'ith James, in the hospital — 
and drew up a temperance pledge — also an anti-tobac- 
co pledge. 

10. This morning seven prisoners made a break, 
by knocking down the gate keeper, and opening the 
gate. Two were soon taken — one was shot — four 
balls passing through the fleshy part of the arm, into 
his side, lie came near dying several times, while 
the wound was being dressed. '•• The way of trans- 
gressors is Ivird" most ( ertainiy. Two others were 
drowned, one of them leaving a large family, 

11. Very interesting prayer meeting. Preached 
to about twenty-five, from Ex, xxxii: 20. Said J, D. 
"A lazy man cannot seek religion, nor be a Christian.'' 
It is good to feed the lambs. 



252 IMMERSION — EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

18. Preached to parents with respect to trusting 
their wives and children with God — blessed time. In 
the prayer meeting, J. D. full of the Spirit — the cell 
could scarcaly contain him — he jumped as if on 
springs — clapped his hands, and shouted glory ! The 
old man sixty-two years old pleading for mercy. Lord 
save him. 

19, W. S. with us to receive instruction on bap- 
tism, He is an old gray headed man, and appears of 
an excellent spirit. 

22. H. B. with us, for instruction on baptism. 
He is a lovely spirit. 

25. An old Baptist man preached. After sermon, 
those who wished to be immersed, came forward, and 
were examined. Six were immersed. 

EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO A FRIEND. 

" Through the goodness of God, we can yet exclaim, 
with one of old, '•'- Ehenezcr ^ and call upon you all 
to "magnify the Lord with us." 1 cannot describe 
to you on paper, His wonderful works in our midst. 
The number that now unite with us in prayer, and in 
telling "-'what God has done for them, and how he has had 
compassion on them,'"' is upwards of twenty. Give 
God the praise. The work is His. In the converts, 
the turning point with many was, forgiveness and love 
of enemies — but God gave them no peace till they 
gave up all animosity. Said one, '■' For three long 
years, I have lived with bitter enmity in my heart 
against two men, on whom I was determined to have 
revenge, when I left this place; but God told me I 
mustirivc it nil rip, or He would not hear one word to 
me, and now I feel to love them, and fmd more happi- 
ness than in all my life before. You must do as I did — 
forgive your enemies." I tell you these scenes arc 
glorious. The wicked, who surround, mock, deride, 
and lie; but in the face of all this, to see men come 



READY TO DEPART AND BE WITH CHRIST. 253 

out boldly on God's side makes our souls rejoice. I 
never saw men appear better, than some of these con- 
verts do. They just " cast off the works of darkness," 
and yield up to God. 

Alanson says, "Tell my family to trust in God, and 
be patient; and all things will work together for the 
best." He is as happy as a king. 

James has been sick, and nigh unto death. We 
did not much expect he would stay with us long — but 
through the mercy of God he has nearly recovered; 
he now wants bodily strength. He was in the hospi- 
tal two weeks and a half — felt willing and ready 
to '•'■ depart and be with Christ, which is far better" 
— still thinks it doubtful whether he meets you all 
again, till we meet where sighing and sorrow are not 
known." 

THE RECONCILIATIO:>f. 

July 2. Wc had an interesting scene in the prayer 
meeting. H. B. and W. S. were sent here on the 
false testimony of G. S. They were perfectly inno- 
cent as to the thing charged against them. G. S. was 
hired to swear falsely, and they were sent here. Soon 
after, G. S. stole, and came himself. The two former 
had cherished bitter feelings of revenge against the 
latter, and he knew it. But v.'hen they were converted, 
they went to bim and told him they freely forgave 
him. He could hardly believe it. H. B. wxnt to his 
cell, talked kindly, and assured him of his hearty for- 
giveness. G. S. melted into tears, confessed his guilt, 
and said, ^'•I would be willing to do or suffer anything, 
if you could only be restored to your family." To- 
day they were all present in the prayer meeting. G. 
S. professed repentance, and a determination to serve 
God! 1 addressed the three. My heart was moved; 
and before all I asked, "-H. B., do you freely and fully 
forgive G. S?" He frankly replied in the affirmative, 
arose, and gave him liis hand in token of reconcilia- 



254 SCENES OF INTEREST. 

tion. I turned to W. S., and asked the same question. 
He expressed his cheerful forgiveness, and gave his 
hand in token of friendship and love. 

It was atfecting. A little before they were at vari- 
ance, and meditating each other''s destruction, refusing 
to be reconciled; now, melted down, their enmity 
slain, and love filling their souls, the}- embrace each 
other, as brethren going to heaven together. 

9, A good prayer meeting. Preached from 2 Cor., 
v; 17. In the afternoon, alter sermon, the chaplain 
baptized four persons by pouring, which he thinks is 
the only proper mode. 

23. Prayer meeting in the carpenter's shop. Many 
prisoners and (he overseer attended. C. N. came to 
our cell — gave evidence of conversion — prayed and 
talked well. Two weeks ago, we were spinning to- 
gether, and I reproved him for swearing. Said he, 
" From that time I began to pray, and ask for the for- 
giveness of my sins, and ceased not till I found relief." 
Ah, "a word in season, how good is it?" 

28. Glorious sabbath! 8;ilvation and rejoicing! 
Interesting prayer meeting — excellent class meeting. 
Some new cases. J. P. said, "The thing which 
brought me here was forsaking Christ. I have a pious 
wife and children. It has been three years since I 
forsook God. First. I neglected secret prayer; second, 
family devotion; third, the house of God; now I am 
fully determined to be faithful." He prayed and wept 
freely. Just came last week. 

W. W. very much broken down — wept like a child. 
He said, "I believe my coming here will be the means 
of saving my soul." 

O, what can God do! "'Is any thing too hard for 
the Lord?" No preaching — no time to read — all day 
occupied in helping others; but praise to God for such 
a privilege. 

Said one, "My first year here, was one of misery and 
dcatli. The second has been one of life and peace.'* 



A PRISONER PREACHING TO PRISONERS. 255 

James in another cell laboring. He had a nmelting 
time. The Lord was present in power. 

Aug, 7. Judge B. granted us the privilege of a lamp 
at night, so that wc could improve our evenings by 
reading. O, what a great blessing! After being de- 
prived of it more than two years, how sweet to enjoy 
again the bliss of reading God's word, after the toils 
of the day! O, how good is our Father! May we 
value and improve the privilege. 

13. No preaching. After prayer meeting, went 
into another cell with four others. Had a precious 
time. They drank in the truth with eagerness. 

14. Last night T. sent for me to sit up with him. 
He is quite sick — sees himself a great sinner. 

20. After dinner. Judge B. came and called me 
out of my cell, and said that there had been a request 
that 1 might preach in the absence of the chaplain, 
who was sick. "1 have no objections, and you can 
address them, or hold a prayer meeting. Just take 
your own course." 

The prisoners were assembled, and with great de- 
light I preached to them from Ephesians v; 14. Ex- 
. cellent attention. Judge B. and wife, overseer and 
i others, present. Truly this is the hand of the Lord, 
I These quotations from my journal show pretty 
I clearly the nature of the work, our circumstances, 
' and the way we were occupied for about one year or 
more after the change of ofiicers. 

Some general remarks about the revival, and I must 
leave it, . 
|{ My usual course was to sing while they were col- 
''' lecting, which answered the purpose of a bell — for 
there was so much heart and life in the singing, that 
we could be heard all over prison. After two or three 
prayers, I read a portion of Scripture with remarks 
suitable to the occasion — warning sinners, and instruc- 
ting converts in the various duties devolving upoa 



256 GENERAL REMARKS. 

them. And it was very gratifying to see with what 
eagerness they sought to know the will of God, re- 
ceiving the truth with a relish that convinced us our 
"• labor was not in vain in the Lord." 

After I had talked, opportunity was given for any 
one to speak or pray, and it was expected that all would 
take a part. They were remarkably ready on all 
occasions, to go forward in any Christian duty, and 
many of them were bright examples of piety. Fre- 
quently they would be seen, coming to the prayer 
meeting leading the impenitent, with whom they had 
been talking, and whose conversion they particularly 
desired — a cell mate, or some fellow laborer. The 
obstacles in their way were many. The hardened 
ridiculed and mocked, but they bore it patiently, and 
the work rolled on. They all looked up to us, as chil- 
dren to a father. To us they came to make known 
their joys and sorrows, their temptations and their vic- 
tories, their falls and uprisings, for instruction and I 
counsel, for encouragement and help. 

The responsibility of watching over, and feeding, 
of seeking out, and reclaiming this interesting flock, all 
rested on us. The chaplain rarely came to talk with 
any of them, except on the sabbath. When he called 
for the anxious, we were privileged to talk and pray 
with them. During the week, we had to look after 
the lambs, who dwelt among wolves, and carry for- 
ward our labors also. If we wished to stay all night 
with any one, or have any one come and stay with us 
for conversation, it was only to w.s/t, and we. received. 

They loved the ])rayer meetings — and would remain 
from breakfast to dinner, without weariness. After 
dinner, again they assembled to praise and pray 
reluctant to leave the place where God had so richly| 
blessed their souls. 

The work was so great, and important, that we 
ceased for a time to desire, or pray for liberty. We 



LAMBS IN THE MIDST OF WOLVES, 257 

felt that this was the place for us. And we rejoiced 
to thrust in our sickles, and reap a rich harvest, "gath- 
ering fruit unto eternal life." 



1 I love in such a place to dwell, 
These lambs, to me, are dear. 
Glor}' to Jesus, for my cell; 
Hosannah, that I'm here. 

2 O! what is liberty to me. 
Or friends, however dear — 

Since scenes like these, I here can see, 
And things like these can hear? 



3 Let those who wish, seek worldly fame, 
And warriors wonders tell ; 
But give to me, reproach and shame, 
With Jesus and my cell. 



We saw here a flock of lamhs, which, if we should 
go away, would have no shepherd. They dwelt in 
the midst of ravening wolves, and who should look 
after them? Our Wardens soon became indifferent, 
and cared not for their souls. Our good overseer, was 
occupied with a multiplicity of other cares; and after 
a while was turned away — his place occupied by an 
enemy of all good — new wardens came in, who ""feared 
not God, nor regarded man" — our chaplain had other 
business, that lie thought more important, and who should 
look after these precious souls? Who would care for 
a poor, despised convict? We felt our responsibihty 
— we saw their need of our help, and frequently heard 
them say, "I don't know how we should get along, if 
you should go away;" and, blessed be God, we rejoiced 
to stay and do them good. To us they would listen — 
they felt a confidence, that as we were " tempted in 
all points" like as they, we could enter into all their 
feelings, and sympathize with them in all their tempt- 
16 



258 EVIDENCES OF CONVERSION. 

ations, and trials — that we would listen with patience, 
to all their diflicuUies and sorrows and gladly "•comfort 
them by the comfort wherewith we ourselves were 
comforted of God," in "-all our tribulation." 

About forty professed to be converted. How many 
were truly, in heart renovated, we cannot say. The 
parable of the ^* sower, and the seed," is just as true 
here as in places where liberty is enjoyed. Some, 
" ran well" lor a time, and turned back — a number 
were " stony ground hearers," who could not endure 
the scorching rays of ridicule and persecution — of 
'^ thorny ground hearers," there were but a few — of 
those who '-received the seed into good and honest 
hearts,"there were a goodly number. '^IIow do you 
know?" IIow do 1 know? How does the husband- 
man know that his seed found a place in fertile soil? 
that his grain did not all lull upon the rock — or that it 
was not all consumed l)y the I'owls, nor all choked by the 
thorns? How? Why, he sees it spring up and grow — 
he sees it blossom — he sees it ripen — he tills his gar- 
ner — he cuts thereof, and is strengthened. IIow do I 
know? " By their fruiis ye shall know them." They 
give every evidence that can be desired. They 
brought ibrth fruit — they still bring forth fruit; 
and we trust they will bring forth moi-e abundantly^ 
when again restored to liberty. When we see them 
so perfectly transformed in their characters, minds, 
thoughts, words, actions, how can we doubt? When 
we see them hating the things they loved, and loving 
the things they hated — when we view the "old things 
passed away, and all things become new" — when the 
image of Satan is changed into the image of God; and 
the spirit of heaven takes the place of the spirit of 
hell, how can we but believe that they have '* Christ 
in them the hope of glory?" Their gentleness, docil- 
ity, and exemplary walk would shame multitudes of 
professors, who enjoy far superior advantages. And 
could they have been present in our convict meetings 



THE MEMORABLE COMMUNION SEASON, 259 

and witnessed the readiness and eagerness of these 
poor prisoners to give vent to the overflowings of their 
full and warm hearts, in testifying to the love of God, 
the preciousness of the Savior, and the blessedness 
of His service, they surely would have blushed in view 
of their ow^n backwardness, and inditlerence. And 
to have witnessed those scenes, would have made 
the heart of any Christian rejoice and praise the 
Lord. But I must not fail to give the reader a glance 
at one scene, in our " hallowed cell," which wc shall 
ever remember with joy. 

THE prisoner's COMMUNION SEASON. 

We plead, again and again, with the Chaplain, to 
administer to us, and to the converts, the Sacrament — 
but in vain. We then concluded to invite a number 
of the brethren to unite with us. During the week, 
we tried to show them the importance, and nature of 
the ordinance. They obtained permission to remain 
in our cell, after the prayer meeting — at which time, 
wc endeavored to " remember our Savior" in Ilis own 
appointed ordinance. Five of the brethren were 
with us — making eight in all. Upon our little table, 
was a cup of water, and a neat piece of corn bread, 
around which w^e were gathered. 

In a few words, I endeavored to give them proper 
views of the ordinance, and with what feelings it 
should be observed. I tried to point out the appropri- 
ateness of the emblems, showing, that as bread is the 
staff of natural life, so Jesus is the '■' bread of heaven" 
— ""the living bread," upon which, by faith, our souls 
feed, and arc strengthened. 

As water cleanses our bodies from filth, so the 
blood of Christ cleanses the soul from sin — as without 
water, we should soon die, so without the application 
of the blood of atonement, we should perish forever — 
as receiving a draught of water quenches our thirst, 



tiliO THE MEMORABLE COMMUNION SEASON. 

SO a draught, by faitli, from " the fountain opened to 
the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusa- 
lem,'' quenches all our desire for sin, and the vanities 
of the world, 6cc. I spoke of the love of our Savior 
— that we should remember Him, with penitence for 
sin, with gratitude, and a full consecration of all our 
powers to His service — that we should remember His 
life, His example, His promises, His sufferings, death, 
ascension, and His intercession in heaven for us. 
Portions of the scripture were read — each one pray- 
ed, and all united in praise. And while we partook 
of the simple emblems, the Master of the feast was 
present, to bless in a remarkable manner. Every 
soul was full, and all eyes " a fountain of tears," so 
that our little cell was truly ''Bochim.'' Such a scene, 
I never witnessed. It was a sweet, heart-melting, 
blessed season. With four of them, it was their tirst 
approach to the Savior's table — and often have they 
spoken of that time. We felt ourselves repaid a hun- 
dred fold, for twelve years imprisonment. Dishal- 
lowed cell," how dear thou art! With what raptu- 
rous delight, shall we look back, from the heights of 
Zion, to this sacred place! And when we sit down, 
with these little ones, ''at the marriage supper of the 
Lamb," how shall we then praise His holy name, for 
a Penitentiary! To "-Him who is our life," shall be 
all the glory. 

We had many other precious seasons, but I cannot 
particularize. Thus, reader, I have given you a 
sketch of our prison revival — the details would inter- 
est any person, but my limits will not permit. In its 
order, I shall tell you a little about the breaking up of 
our class, and prayer meetings, by our wicked offi- 



cers. 



JOYFUL ACQUIESCENCE IN THE DIVINE WILL. 261 

CHAPTER IJI. 

LETTERS— SICK-BED REPENTANCES, &c. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

"Beloved Parents: — Again let me assure you that 
' all is well.'' '• The Lord reigns.' ' He doeth his 
will in the arnnics of heaven, and among the inhabit- 
ants of this lower world, and none can stay his hand, 
or say unto Him, what doest thou?' Nor should we 
Avish for a moment, to 'stay his hand,' or alter his 
course in any thing — for all his ways, are in infinite 
wisdom and love, and always for the present and eter- 
nal good of his children. 

My prison proves more than a palace — 'it is good 
to be here.' Worlds on worlds, could not purchase 
from me what I have here obtained. It is more pre- 
cious than rubies, and infinitely above silver, or the most 
fine gold. I do, and will rejoice. I kiss the rod, and 
bless the himd that applies it. 

O, rejoice with me! Let no one weep on my ac- 
count. There is no cause for weeping. It is joy — 
joy unspeakable and full of glory, that fills my soul. 
Peace, like a river fiom heaven's eternal ocean of 
love, rolls in upon me. I have cause to rejoice. We 
have long prayed; Ihe Lord has answered our prayers, 
and gone far beyond our feeble faith and hope. The 
Lord has opened a great and effectual door of usefiil- 
ness before us, and we expect to see a great work 
here. My privileges are too great for words to express. 

I rejoice to labor among these dying sinners, and 
exhibit to them the gospel of Jesus. And if only one 
soul is made forever happy in heaven, through our in- 
strumentality, shall we not be abundantly paid for all 
we have suffered, or may yet be called upon to endure? 
O, rejoice that I am placed here. Do not say that I 
could have done more somewhere else. God is wise. 



2G2 LABOR WITH THE SICK. 

This is just where he has put me, and therefore I 
know it is where I can do tlie most good. O, it is in- 
expressibly sweet and glorious to lie quiet in his hands, 
and believe his promises! Blessed is the man that 
trusteth in him. I know it. George." 

THE SICK man's resolution. 

McM. was very sick in the hospital. I was with 
him two nights. We talked witli him about his soul, 
and urged him to repentance. The overseer did the 
same, and warned him of his danger. He was so. full 
of pains, and in such distress, that he said, "I can not 
attend to the subject now as I should, I have so much 
else to think about. If I should repent now, I should 
be liable to be actuated by wrong motives — fear of 
death and hell, rather than hatred to sin and love to 
God. I feel that a sick bed is a poor place to prepare 
to die, and if the Lord will spare my life and raise me 
up, I will then attend to the subject.'' 

He recovered, but did not repent. We neminded him 
of his promise, and plead with him to be a Christian. 
He said he would serve God, but meant to do it se- 
cretly, without any noise or show, without making a 
profession of religion. "I will live a sober, upright 
life, while here, will not join with the wicked, and 
when I get my liberty I will connect myself with some 
society." Thus the devil deluded him, and I fear ob- 
tained his purpose — the ruin of his soul. How many 
tuch! 

THE SICK-BED REPENTANCE. 

H. was a young man — a mere boy in years, but old 
in sin. He" was taken down with pleurisy, and sent 
lor mc before day-light, to come and sec him. 1 found 
him very sick and shuddering at death. He said, 
*• You are the lirst pious man, George, I ever sent for 
to sec mc, but I feel that 1 need tlic instruction and 



CONVERSATION WITH A SICK MAN. 263 

help of some one, for I can't live long." ^^You now 
feel the need of the consolations of religion." ''Yes, 
I </o, George. I feel that 1 need it, and if I ever get 
well, I will live a different life, and be a Christian." 
'•But you may die now," "Then I'm lost.'''' I exhort- 
ed him to repent, and look to Jesus for mercy, casting 
himself upon Him, and he sh.ould find pardon. That 
night I sat up with him. lie soon asked me to read 
and pray. '' Do you feel that you are a sinner?" 
''Yes, the greatest in the penitentiary, and need God's 
grace as much. I have been viewing my past lifi^ to- 
day, and my sins pressed on my head like seas." 
"Have you repented, and confessed them to God?" 
"Yes, I have. I tliink I have truly from the heart, 
repented, and turned from all my evil ways." "Some 
promise God, on a sick bed, they will serve Him" — 
"It makes no diiFercnce with me. I don't ask God 
that I may get well. Here am I, do as seemcth Thee 
good. I am willing to die, George, if it is God's will. 
I have felt a change of some kind, to-day, I know not 
what it is, but I feel that in my bosom, for which I 
would not take a world of gold and silver. I feel 
contented and happy." "Do you feel willing that the 
world should know all your crimes?" " Yes, I am 
willing that every body should know them. 1 think 
I can make reparation in all cases but one." (Proba- 
bly murder.) "Do you wish to talk with and warn 
your evil companions?" "Yes, I have done it lo-day, 
though they made sport of me — but I did not mind 
that." "Well, what do you wish me (o pray for?" 
"That God will forgive my sins, and give me grace 
to serve Him, and that I may truly repent." While 
I prayed, he seemed to unite heartily, and to be much 
affected, frequently adding with emphasis, "Amen, 
IvOrd have mercy on my soul." I !?aid, "We need not 
fear to die, if Jesus is our friend." "I feel that He 
is my friend," he replied, '-I have made my first prayer 
to-day." "Look to God to help you to stand fast, and 



264 CONVERSATION WITH A SICK MAN. 

cleave to Him," '^ I know 1 can do nothing without 
Hinn, and on Ilim I depend for strength." " How do 
you feel towards Christians?" "I once hated them, 
but now I love them better than I do my own life. 
And I have often cursed you, George, when I have 
heard you pray on Sundays; but I do ask you to forgive 
me, for God has. I was plunging into all manner of 
vice and sin, never thinking I had a Supreme Master, 
or that there was any hereafter — but 1 feel that God 
has afflicted me, to bring me to consider and see 
my sins. I was blind this morning, but now I see 
where I was, and through the blood of Jesus Christ I 
hope to be saved. It was the happiest day that ever 
happened to me, when I came here. I had a good 
mother, but she spoiled me by humoring me."* He 
also confessed his true name. 

On the Sabbath, Alan son was with him all day. 
He warned his evil associates of their danger, and 
exhorted them to repent and forsake their evil ways. 
One replied, " 1 can't." Said he, " You can, if you 
will. You must bring yourself to say. '• I u'///,' " 

James was with him one night. He was restless, 
but seemed much interested in Jemies" prayer, and oft- 
en cried aloud '-Amen, Amen." 

At evening, I called to see him, "• How do you feel, 
L?' "Tm gone! Vm gone! George." "Submit to 
(iod. and put your trust in Him." And while I held 
his hand, he prayed that God would have mercy on 
him, forgive his transj^rcssions. grant him grace as he 
needed," &c., "for the Redeemers sake, Amen." 
Again, when he was worse, I said, " Commit yourself 
to God." "I have — I have. Let Him do what He 
sees best. His will, not mine, be done." 

Again. Alanson said to him, "Be patient, and in the 
spirit of a little child yield to the Lord." He replied 
with emphasis, " 1 do yield." Alanson repeated, " And 



Motliers, will you learn a lesson from this prisoner's confession? 



REFLECTIONS. 26$ 

let this feeble body fail," &c. He exclaimed, " O, 
may I be of that happy company." 

The foregoing is the substance of our conversations 
with him; and should no more be said, it might be in- 
ferred that his repentance was genuine. So we hoped, 
and watched with trembling every symptom for good 
or ill, till he recovered; but we were disappointed. 
As he became better in body he grew worse in spirit, 
and could soon curse and swear freely. 

I have been thus particular with his case for vari- 
ous reasons. 

1. To verify the truth cf God's word, "In trouble 
men call upon God." '•'•In their affliction they will 
seek me early." 

2. In health, men can despise religion, blaspheme 
God and curse Christians; but when death stares 
them in the face, they desire the consolations of that 
very religion — will call those same Christians to pray 
for them, and beg God for mercy. 

3. See how perfectly a man may be deluded by Sa- 
tan, even on a dying bed — willing to die, full of expec- 
tation of happiness, yet unprepared. Had he died, 
instead of getting well, we should have had hope. Do 
not multitudes die in this way? O! a death bed re- 
pentance! 

4. How manifest the folly and danger of putting off 
repentance to a sick bed. True, many on a sick bed 
do repent, but not because they hate sin or are sorry 
they have offended God, or because the love of God 
has melted their hearts — they do repent, but it is 
from fear, a servile, slavish dread of hell. And being 
conscious of a repentance they think God is reconciled, 
their sins forgiven, and they prepared for heaven. 

5. How important that those who converse with 
persons on a sick bed should be faithful in probing them 
to the bottom — in showing them the true character of 
God, and what it is to repent and love Him. We 
tried to do so in this case, yet see the result. 



266 BLESSEDNESS OF RELIGIOIf. 

6. From boLli the preceding cases, learn the secret 
of the ephemeral peculiarity so common to a sick bed 
repentance. Tliey are inlluenced only by fear, and 
when the cause of that fear is removed, their religion 
vanishes. For they love sin just as much as ever. 
They have ho true love to God because lie is holy and 
hates sin, but because they know he will punish sin — 
and when the prospect of life is again restored, this 
kind of fear departs — and having no decision, no prin- 
ciple, the heart remaining unbroken, they are led cap- 
tive by Satan at his will. O! a death bed repentance! 
Beware ! 

As a candle appears most brilliant in dark places, so 
true religion shines with clearest lustre in dark dis- 
pensations, but v/ith greatest brightness in the gloom 
of death. When all men forsake, it stands by its 
possessor and is more precious than ever. When 
earthly prospects arc all blasted, it opens a door of 
hope, an assurance of immortal riches and glory. 
When trials and sufferings combine to crush, it comforts 
and supports, so that '' we glory in tribulation," ''re- 
joice in our sulfcrings," ^' and reckon them not com- 
parable with the glory that shall be revealed." But 
O, in death, when riches cannot profit, honors cannot 
relieve, friends cannot help, and every thing earthly 
fails — when nature is sinking, and our clay tenement 
crumbling — when earth Hides away, and eternity opens 
upon our view — while the cold waves of death dash 
over us, v/ho can tell the worth of religion then? 

It lights the dark valley, dries up the deep waters, 
quenches the raging llame, so that the last moments 
are the most delightful of the whole life. 

As its possessor draws near his heavenly home, and 
more clearly beholds the blissful company, he leap? for 
joy at the prospect of meeting his Father and Elder 
Brother — of sitting down with Abraham, Isaac and 
Jacob and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God,'* 
to be " forever with the Lord." 



BLESSEDNESS OF RELIGION. 267 

O! blessed religion! What would this prison be 
without its comforts! What a prison would this world 
be, were it not for its blessed influences! How un- 
speakably foolish are they who reject its easy yoke! 
How cruel they who would exterminate it from the 
earth! And how inexcusable are all who do not re- 
joice in its life and peace giving power! 

Wc add our testimony — that no place, no troubles, 
no circumstances, no calumny, nothing can deprive its 
possessor of the comfort and joy it affords, so long as 
he trusts in God. *' Perfect peace''' is his portion. 

AN EXTRACT OF A LETTER, 

Written in the time of the revival, will show our feel- 
ings. 

"• Beloved, this is a delightful place to me. These 
walls are sacred, these cells are hallowed palaces., and 
the rattle of bars, bolts and locks, sweet music in our 
cars. Believe me, when I say, a more soul-cheering, 
blessed place than this same "hallowed cell," I never 
dwelt in. I had almost ceased to pray for any other 
field of labor — as to anxiety, I have none. Such scenes 
as I have here witnessed, I never saw, in all the pro- 
tracted meetings, or in all the anxious rooms, or 
prayer-meetings, I ever attended, I am in a peniten- 
tiary, but it is here I have seen the power of God — 
the long-hardened, cut down by the two-edged sword, 
prostrate before the Lord, and begging ior mercy, in 
accents almost startling — yea, heir, I have seen those 
same persons, *•• sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and 
in their right mind,'' "praising and glorifying God" for 
what He has done. 

O, how they sing! how they pray! how they do 
bless God for a penitentiary! " My soul doth magnify 
the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." 
When I see the tiger take the disposition of a lamb — 
the vulture become a dove — obscenity turn to purity — 



268 REJOICING IN GOD. 

curses to prayer and praise — hatred to love, and hell 
to heaven, I must acknowledge the hand of God, and 
rejoice. 

Some of the hardest, and those least expected, 
have howed, while the self-righteous moralist, stands 
aloof. 

Our days are so occupied with work, and our Sah- 
baths, in laboring w^ith sinners and feeding the lambs, 
that we get but little time for reading; but we cheer- 
fully forego this privilege, for the sake of doing others 
good. We adopt the language of one of old,* '•'• I 
have learned to see a need of every thing that God 
gives, and to need nothing that God denies me. There 
is no dispensation, though cross and afflictive, but 
either in or after, I find I could not be without it; and 
nothing that I am without, whether taken from me, 
or not given to me, but sooner or later God quiets me 
in Himself without it. I cast all my care on the 
Lord, and live securely on the wisdom, and care of 
my heavenly Father. J find that when /f////i is steady, 
nothing can disquiet me — and when faith totters, 
nothing can establish me." 

George."' 

james, outside. 

About the middle of July, as James was recover- 
ing from a severe fit of sickness, Judge B. granted 
him the liberty of going outside for his health, to 
breathe the fresh air, eat at his house, hoe in the gar- 
den, <Sic. Thus, without any guard he went out when 
he wished, to bathe, gather nature's spontaneous pro- 
ductions, assist Mrs. B. about the house, read, medi- 
tate and pray in the grove, "where none but God 
could hear,"' and drink in the pure air of fragrant na- 
ture. 

John Clliott, 



JAMES, SICK. 



269 



He had free access to Judge B.'s library, from which 
we had many vahiable books. This liberty was very 
reviving to James' system. 

About the last of August, he was very sick again. 
He was taken in the night, so that we had to knock 
on our door, for the guard, who called up the hospital 
steward, and came with some medicine. We felt that 
he could not last long, but the Lord raised him up. In 
the fore-part of September, I was taken down for 
some days. Having no physician — no helper but Je- 
sus, il was sweet to go to Him. 



SCARCITY OF FOOD. 



I Sfpf. 24. Sabbath. Two men worked most of the fore- 
noon to dig potatoes enough for a scanty dinner, and for 

II supper we had nothing. Food for the body, and tem- 
' poral comforts may fail, but, glory to God! for the 

fountain, ever flowing, and the loaded tables of rich 
provisions, for the souL to which we may at all times, 
freely come — no man having power to prevent, and 
no condition or place being able to bar us from the 
rich repast. 

Oct. 3, 1843. Now entering upon our third year. 
How short the time! How varied the scenes, trials, 
and circumstances! How many and trying the tempt- 
ations! How glorious the victories! How multiplied 
and imminent the dangers, and how striking the de- 
liverances! What favors and blessings unspeakable, 
unnumbered, and ever memorable! To God be glory, 
and praise forever. 



THE BUFFALO ROBES. 



Oct. 14. This evening. Judge B. went round, and 
left a Buffalo Robe for each cell, which is a great com- 
fort in our circumstances. How much have we suffer- 
ed from the cold nights! But now we shall be com- 



270 



PRISONERS KNITTING. 



fortable — for the first time, in a cold night, since we 
came here. May we be thankful. 

By our scarcity of bedding we have learned to " re- 
member the poor.''^ How many have neither shelter 
nor covering! But we can assure them that Jesus 
will warm the soul with his love, M'hilc the bod^ may 
suffer. 

KNITTING. 

After we obtained our lamp, the evening and the 
cold cell were welcomed with great delight, that we 
might refresh our minds, from the fountain of truth. 

After devotions, Alanson and James would knit, 
while I read to them, aloud. In this way, and when 
they were unwell, Alanson knit for himself two pairs of 
socks, and James knit for himself one pair. For so cov- 
etous was Mrs. B., that she influenced her husband not 
to buy socks for all the men, but made many of them 
knil their own^ before they could have any. In this 
way many went with cold feet, a long time, till, in 
their slow way, by knitting Sundays, and all theii' 
spare time, they provided themselves. And from this 
cause numbers sutfercd most of the winter. I did not 
learn to knit. For the most part, I wore my own 
stockings. 



CHAPTER IV. ' 

VISITS— FAVORS SHOWN— LETTERS, &c. 

"in prison and ye came UNTO ME." 

On the morning of the '21st. of Oct., Mrs. Work, 
with three of her children, W. L. A. and M. C, (now 
my wife,) arrived at our habitation. They called on 
the Chaplain, who accompanied them to the prison. 



VISIT FROM FRIENDS. 271 

Judge B. came in with him and said to us, "•Wash 
yoursehcs, get shaved, put on clean clothes, and pre- 
pare to go out and see them." We all went out, into 
Capt, R.'s parlor, where we once more beheld the faces 
of those we loved. Mrs. R. and the Chaplain were 
present, but we could converse freely. It was a hap- 
py meeting. Mrs. R. was very kind lo them. We 
conversed as long as we chose, and came back to 
our work, after being assured that they Could come in 
and see us, at our work, and on the Sabbath. They 
ate their breakfast and came in. As they came to my 
loom, the first words of M. C. were, ••• 1 am glad you 
came here — there are so many slaves getting away, in 
consequence." Cheering. We quit work and came to 
our cell, where we all spent most of the day in free 
conversation and prayer. Thus to unite our hearts, 
and voices was be} ond expression, delightful. How 
oft had we imagined such a scene! How frequently 
talked about it, and besought the Lord, for the bless- 
ing. And yet we never really expected, so great a fa- 
vor in a penitentiary where the rules are so strict. 

THE RULES. 

•* Every visitor shall be accompanied by the over- 
fcer, or some one of the guard, and shall, under no 
pretence whatever, be allowed to speak to any of the 
convicts, without the written permission of one of the 
inspectors." 

They had no such permission, nor had they seen 
the inspectors. 

Again, *'• No person, when on a visit to the peniten- 
tiary, shall be permitted to remain here longer than 
one hour." They staid a week. 

1 Again, " No person shall speak to, or hold any con- 
versation with any of the convicts, unless by the ex- 
press permission of the lessees, and then only in the 
presence of some one of the guard or overseers?" 



275 GREAT PRIVILEGES. 

Now, reader, keep these printed rules in mind, as I 
tell you of the blessings we enjoyed, so that, with us, 
you may "• magnify the Lord," for the remarkable 
manifestations of his great mercy to us. Generally, 
prison rules are very strict, and sometimes, almost like 
the laws of the Medes and Persians. Yet here, in a 
slave state, almost every thing like a rule is set aside 
to show favor to the despised abolitionists and their 
friends. Whoever heard of such a thing? No other 
prisoners or their friends are thus treated. Well, it 
is no more than equitable. In our conviction, they 
entirely set aside law; and why not now disregard 
their rules, and show us favor? 

But to proceed. The first day we were by our- 
selves, and could converse about what, and as much as 
we pleased, no man forbidding. 

At night, Mrs. R. would have us come out, and all 
cat supper with her. That evening, Judge B. asked 
Alanson and myself to go outside, and spend the eve- 
ning with them. Alanson went, and spent the whole ; 
evening with his family alone. I chose to stay with i 
James, and read letters, which they brought — some off 
which passed through the officers hands, and some did I 
not. O, what a feast! They also brought us books — 
Holy War, H. Page, Christian Lyre, Dying Thoughts, , 
Life of Payson — and winter clothing, quilts, flannels,, 
stockings, two or three quires of writing paper, steel li 
pens, and other articles, all which Judge B. allowed 1} 
us to have, without once looking at them. This was>| 
perfectly contrary to their laws. 

Convicts permitted to have their pen, ink, and paper, 
to write when, what, and as much as they please! 
Such was, and is the simple fact of the case. Welly 
"It is just like God," and in accordance with his 
promise — ^'I will cause the enemy to entreat thee 
well, in the day of evil." 

On another evening, Alanson went out, and was 
alone with his family. He sang and prayed with 



JOY IN PRISON. 273 

them, gave them counsel, and encouraged them to 
trust in the J.ord. Was ever convict treated thus? 
Sec how the hearts of men are in the hands of the 
Lord. 

After reading the letters, 1 wrote the following in 
my journal. 

"Glory to God, for such inestimable blessings, 
Hosannah, that the wheels arc rolling, the light spread- 
ing, the old fabric tottering, and the cause advancing, 
though many rise up in violent opposition. Yes, 
glory to God that I am here! — that he will take such 
feeble worms as we, to accomplish such wonderful 
results. His be the praise. O, how my soul leaps within 
me with rejoicing, lo hear of the progress of the glo- 
rious cause! Most cheerfully will I spend my days in 
prison, if such may be the blessed effects. The 
cause is God's, and must prevail. Vain are threats 
and violence; they are but oil to the fire; stop the 
work they cannot. No, let earth and hell unite their 
force and rage, the Mighty Conqueror will tread them 
beneath his icet. The banner of Liberty shall be 
unfurled, and the trumpet blown through all the land. 
Arise, ye brave; unite your powers, and enlist with 
your captain. Wield manfully the ''sword of the 
Spirit," relying on God, and victory is yours. Be 
valiant. Fear not. Regard not fines, menaces, pris- 
ons, death. 

< Ride on, thou Mighty Conqueror — triumphantly 
ride, till all our land submit to thy peaceful sway — till 
'• oppression shall cease," and violence and spoil '' be 
no more heard in our borders." 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DR. EELLS. 

That such as the following should be permitted to 
come to us, is remarkable. 
* "Dear Brethren: — The cause for which you suf- 
l*fer is on the advance throu2:h the country. I have 

' 17 " -^ 



;274 DR. EELLS, AND GEO. THOMPSON. 

also been called to suffer in the cause, which has not 
been in vain. That such a cause can be advanced 
without suflering and sacrifice, is utterly impossible; 
and we ought to be willing to lay down our lives if 
necessary. Community are opening their eyes. The 
lover of liberty has more friends — the outcast finds a 
hiding place — the oppressed are delivered — light is 
breaking in — and the whole land feels a tremendous 
agitation. 'May God speed the work,' is the prayer 
of thousands in our country ; and there is good evidence 
that the prayer is heard and answered. The field is 
great and white to the harvest. The north star shines 
as brightly as ever, and is directing many to the land 
of the free. 



R. Eells.' 



THE ANSWER. 



*"■ Beloved Buo. E: — We could not help shouting 
and praising God, when we read your epistle. We 
li:iil you as a fcllow-suffercr, yea, coruficror. in the 
cause of bleeding humanity. Do you not feel that it 
is good to suffer for the slave, who has suflfercd so 
much, and sweat so profusely for you. I am heartily 
willing; yea, I rejoice to be 'bound with him;' yea, 
more, to lay down my life for the cause in which 1 am 
now toiling. Our work shall not be in vain, God 
will bless and give clFcct to every stroke, in pulling 
down the pillars on which the temple rests. Our 
prayers will come up before the mercy seat, and pre- 
vail. The groans and tears of the widow and father- 
less shall be regarded and avenged. Be of good 
courage. Fear not what man can do unto you. Work 
with all your might. Rouse up all who feel for the 
slave, to a united onset, and storm the enemy's camp. 
Face opposition, trust in God, and glorious will be the, 
achievement. 

Georqe." 



GOV. R.'s REFUSAL — OUR FRIENDS. 275 

On Sabbath morning, our friends came in and at- 
tended our prayer meeting, and assisted us by exhorta- 
tion and prayer. We again had opportunity to con- 
verse with them. 

In the afternoon, they came in with J. R. to the 
guard room, where we spent some time in singing the 
"songs of Zion;^' while the prisoners, astonished and 
delighted, gathered around the door and window to lis- 
ten. Also at preaching they were present, and took 
a part in the exercises. 

THE PETITION. 

During the week, they circulated a petition in the 
city for Alanson, which, with one Mrs. W. brought 
from Palmyra, they presented to Gov. Reynolds. He 
refused to grant their request. The wife plead for her 
husband — ^'No." Our sister entreated — "-No." The 
children, with tears, besought their father's restoration 
to them, — " Can't you let my father go home with me?" 
" No, my child, I cannot." To Mrs. W. he said, ^^So 
long as the abolitionists keep up such an excitement, I 
cannot let your husband go." Many sympathized, 
while others mocked. 

THE PRIVILEGE. 

From day to day our friends were allowed to come 
in without any officer, when they chose, and converse 
with us, at our work or in our cell. And what is the 
more remarkable, while we were at preaching, a num- 
ber ran away from the brick yard, where they were 
at work; and the next day a '"break" was made from 
the rope walk, in which upwards of a dozen ran away. 
These things produced very great excitement in pri- 
son and in the city, yet our friends were allowed to 
come in as if nothing had happened. Thus we had 
abundant opportunity to say to them all that we wished. 



2TG GREAT PRIVILEGES. 

On the next Sabbath, they came to our cell, and 
spent the day with us. It was a " high day," Here 
we sweetly united our hearts and voices, in prayer and 
praise, bclbrc the TiOrd. Then was the feast richer 
than ever. After being so long, 

" 'Mid scenes of confusion and creature complaints, 
How sweet to our souls was communion with saints." 

It was delightful, and God shall have the glory. 

They staid and ate dinner with us, partaking of our 
coarse prison fire, with their fingers, (as yet, we ate our 
Sabbath dinner in our cell,) thus, learning a little how- 
to sympathize with poor prisoners — for, only by enter- 
ing into the circumstances of others are we prepared 
to weep or rejoice with them; and the more this is done 
in imagination, the better can we sympathize v.ith, 
and administer comfort to the afflicted. 

Alanson's little boy slept wiih us nights. 

THE LETTERS. 

We wrote many letters to send by them, to our 
fiiends who could not come. The preceding letter 
from Dr. E. and the answer may be considered as a 
specimen of many we received and wrote at that 
time, which passed not through the officers' hands. 
And why should they be examined by the oilicers? 
Already they had granted full liberty to talk what we 
pleased without their presence. They had given us 
paper, pen, ink and opportunity to write what we 
pleased — and what else could bo expected, but that we 
should improve so favorable an occasion for pouring 
out the fulness of our almost bursting hearts, tostir up 
and quicken the friends of humanity? 

Again, I gave Judge B. a bundle of eight or ten to 
< xamine, and he gave them back to me, to hand (o our 
friends myself. From the appearance of the bundle it 
was manifest he had not opened it, to read a single let- 
ter. And a short time before this, he gave me a letter 



A SLAVEHOLDERS KINDXESS. Zii 

from home, without breaking the seal. Certainly this 
was as much as to say, '■' Write what you please." 

THE DEPARTURE. 

On Monday morning they came again to our cell. 
We kne^elcd down, while I returned thanks to God for 
the rich displays of his mercy toward u«, and commend- 
ed them to his protection and guidance during their 
journey home. 

AV^e then bade each other farewell, with as much 
cheerfulness and composure as though to be separated 
but a few weeks. 

JUDGE B.'s HOSPITALITY. 

When our friends arrived at Jeiferson, their money 
was spent, except enough to pay ferriage home. They 
were hospitably entertained, apparently as cordially as 
though they Jjad been possessed of thousands of dol- 
lars. Their carriage broke, which he repaired gratu- 
itousl3\ The bill for their horses was five dollars — 
tliis Judge B. paid, refusing to receive recompense. 
And then \vc sent various artic4es of our manufacture 
to our friends, with his consent. When severely cen- 
sured, in the papers, for treating the abolitionists with 
such kindness and partiality, he replied, '-So long as 
they conduct themselves as they have thus far, I shall 
not regard such things at all." And when we thank- 
ed liim for his kindness, he ansvvered, " I have done no 
more than I felt it my dutij to do." •"! want no com- 
pensation," &c. The Lord reward him. 

In view of all these things, my journal says — "■ The 
past week has been a memorable one indeed — a week 
of wonders, considering our circumstances. " The 
good hand of our God upon us," has been wonderful 
to us and to our fellow prisoners. They never saw 
such treatment of visiters or prisoners before. And 
where is the man who ever did? 



278 INHUMANITY. 

It seems as if I could not cease thanking my Savior 
for the great favor shown us on this happy occasion. 
Everlasting praise be to his name." 

Their presence here caused much talk, spread much 
light, and awakened an interest in many minds favor- 
able to anti-slavery. After their departure, many 
came in to see the persons, about whom so much was 
said; and the countenances of many exhibited an un- 
usual appearance of pity, which seemed to say — "I 
wish they were out of this place." Well, we shall go 
out, in God's own time, which is the best. Till then 
we rejoice to wait. 



CHAPTER V. 

LETTERS— LICENTIOURiNESS OF THE SOUTH, &c. 
CRUEL 1)EA.TH. 

B. V. was a man, who had been here more than a 
year. He was in a diseased state, most of the time, 
and was shamefully imposed upon l)y the officers, and 
Dr. Moore. He was sick, and unable to work, yet 
but little was done for him. He was taken with hts, 
and in great distress, much of the time. Through 
hard-hcartedness, or ignorance, the Dr. said to him, 
a little before his death, "there is nothing the matter 
of you, and you must^j-o to xvorkP'' A fellow prisoner, 
who was a doctor, said, '•'• with proper attention, the 
man might have been cured." Be that as it may, he 
did not have attention — and, no doubt, was virtually 
murdcrrd. 

I had conversed with him some, but fear he was 
unprepared to die. 



CORRUPTION. 



27^ 



In the fore part of November, Alanson was unwell 
for some days, but not confined to his bed, all the time. 

WHY WAS HE PARDONED? 

Dr. B., who had been here, but a few weeks, was 
pardoned out, by Gov. Reynolds. Why? An exten- 
sive slaveholder, with plenty of money^ came from the 
South, and undertook his case. To such a man, the 
Gov. would listen — when, if a poor man had come to 
plead for his friend, probably it would have been of no 
avail, thus clearly exemplifying Pro v. xvii: 15,23; Is. i: 
123; v: 20,23. There have been a number of such cases. 

AMALGAMATION. 

A guard, in conversation with Alanson, about abo- 
lition, amalgamation, (fee, remarked, '•'• probably one 
half of the wliite males in town, have unlawful inter- 
course with black women!" What a recommendation 
of the morality of a town, and of the healthful influ- 
ence, and precious fruits of Slavery! Yet who can 
deny the truth of it, in slave states? 

Slave-holders cry out against abolitionists, "Amal- 
gamation!" liut liom what source, do our tawny 
population proceed? From abolitionists, or slave-hol- 
ders? Doubtless the latter. Facts may speak, for 
they cannot be denied. Where are mulattos the 
most numerous? In the South. Who are the most 
valued? Fine mulattos. Whom do the gentry buy 
for their own unholy purposes? Mulattos. What 
children do fathers most value? Their mulatto chil- 
dren. On all these points, abundant testimony might 
be adduced, but why multiply words? Is there not 
ample ocular demonstration, that fathers and sons, law- 
yers * and statesmen,! rich and poor, in slave states. 



•In Mississippi, a young wife shot herself, leaving a young child^ 
because her husband had connection with the slaves. 

t A vile woman in town, said, one day, "I can show as much mon- 
*y, as any oiher woman in town, during the sitting of Legislature'.'* 



280 CORRUPTION. 

are engaged in this nhomination? '"Mother of abomi- 
nations!" O! how it destroys the moral sensibihties, 
and changes men into brutes, and demons! 

But again, a slave overseer from the South, was 
knowing to the following. " In Adams Co. Miss., 
Abner Green, was a slave-holder. A Mr. Ford was 
liis overseer. Maria was a slave girl, whom the over- 
seer, with a cow-hide, whipped very hard, /?/?cen times, 
for refusing to yield to his beastly desires!" 

Again. '"Children are very often destroyed in wells, 
and various other ways, by slave mothers, hired so to 
do, by white fathers, to prevent exposure!" "It is 
common^ for masters, overseers, and young men to 
have intercourse with the slave women!" 

"Men from the North, who have wives, frequently 
go South, and commingle freely with the slaves — their 
wives knowing nothing of it!" 

Daughters of the North, and of the church, what 
tliink you? Do you say, these are extreme cases? 
They are not so. They are common, every-day oc- 
currences. I have it from witnesses too numerous, to 
be doubted — ear-witnesses, eye-witnesses, experiment- 
al witnesses — and every body, who has lived long at 
the South, knows, and most are ready to own, that 
illicit intercourse with the slaves is as common as the 
shining of the sun. I might multiply fads^ but will 
not defde my pages with such corruption. 

Header, what will you do, to put away this ahomi- 
nutiun ? 

THE FALSE TONGUE. 

Several of the guards, whose hearts were opposed' 
to good, endeavored to injure us, by exciting the prej- 
udices of the oflicers against us — vilifying us to them, 
and others, on account of our principle^!. This lias 
been frc(|uenlly tried, by wicked guards. But in the 
midst of the multitude of "false tongues" that sur- 



INSPECTORS. 281. 

round, and arc drawn against us, like ^^ sharp swords,'' 
how has God wonderfully fullilled His promise. Job 
v: 21; ''thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the 
tongue" — also in Ps. xxxi: 19, 20, Thus; "-He is faith- 
ful that promised." In spite of their envy, defama- 
tions, malice, and lies, our ''' heads are lifted up above 
our enemies" — "our cup runneth over," and no man 
has been allowed to " set on us to do us hurt." Ver- 
ily lie is a '•'shif'ld and buckler, to all v,'ho trust Him." 
Malicious prisoners, have frequently tried the same 
thing, but (Jod, as often, has ^^disappointed their craf- 
ty devices," and kept as securely. 

THE inspectors' first examination. 

It was the custom of the inspectors, to have all the 
prisoners separately brought before them, about once 
a year; at which time, each one had the privilege of 
making any comj)laint against the officers, respecting 
food, clothing, work, punishment, or any injustice — re- 
specting all these things they were questioned — and 
the inspectors listened to many sorrowful tales and 
bitter complaints — some of which were true, some 
exaggerated, and some without any foundation. As 
they had confidence that vre would speak only the 
truth, they were generally very particular in their 
inquiries of us, respecting the officers, treatment of 
prisoners, sick, meetings, chaplain, &c. &c. We 
endeavored to tell them the truth, cut where it would. 
They treated us with great respect, and allowed us 
to come near to them. 

At their first sitting, among many other things, they 
asked if we thought the preaching did good — if it was 
spirited, pointed and arousing — if the chaplain did his 
duty in efforts to reform the prisoners. To the last 
I was obliged to answer somewhat in the negative, as 
he rarely came during the week, except when called 
here by business. 



282 KINDNESS OF INSPECTORS. 

Our prayer meeting was freely talked about, and 
no objection whatever made to it. One proposed, 
and all thought it would be an excellent plan, that I 
should address all the prisoners on Sabbath morn- 
ings — promised to converse with the ofticers, and if 
they were willing, have arrangements made. On 
Saturday, General B. said, " I will go right out and 
have arrangements made for to-morrow." I told him 
I should consider it one of the greatest favors they 
could bestow upon me, as my desire was to be useful 
in every possible way, to my fellow prisoners. But I 
suppose the officers were afraid of public odium and 
censure, should they grant the abolitionists such privi- 
leges — indeed they have expressed the same to me, 
themselves. I was not called on — though the inspec- 
tors thought the influence would be good on the pris- 
oners, and were desirous to bring it about. 

As their printed rules forbade our talking any, 1 
asked the privilege of conversing with my fellow pris- 
oners about their souls, ( though I had all along taken 
it.) They replied, '' We have agreed to let you 
preach on Sabbath mornings; and we grant you the 
same opportunity that we do the chaplain!" T asked 
for the Missionary Herald — they granted it — though 
the law forbids any periodical being sent to a prisoner! 
I asked for a work on the prophecies. They men- 
tioned, and sent me, Isaac T. IJinton's "prophecies of 
Daniel and John" — then just published in St. Louis, 
in pamphlet form, ten numbers — v/bich a fellow pris- 
oner bound into a neat volume — a book we read with 
great interest. 

They wished to have me steward of the hospital, 
that I might labor for the good of the sick, but I was 
too good a hand to work, for the oflicers to be willing 
to give me up. Money and not souls, was what they 
desired. 

Reader these inspectors were all wicked men, yet 
see how God turned their hearts towards us. What 



LETTER TO THE CHAPLAIN. 283 

but the Almighty Spirit could induce those in authority, 
and who are not governed by his laws, to deal thus 
kindly with men, who are the pesls of their community, 
and the abomination of slave States? 

They manifested their good will, and said, ^^We 
grant you any thing that will conduce to the reform- 
ation of the prisoners." Our worldly-seeking officers 
will be held responsible for all the good that might 
have been done by the carrying out of the inspectors' 
plan. 

OUR TEXTS CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE CHAPLAIN. 

With the chaplain I had frequently conversed on 
the subject of slavery. He said he was opposed to 
the system — never did, and never would hold a slave, 
but could not approbate our course. He requested me 
to write down for him the passages of scripture, by 
which we justified ourselves in helping slaves. As I 
did not keep a copy of the letter, I can only give the 
reader the references, with some of the principle 
ideas. 

In the commencement, I laid down the doctrine that 
"human legislation cannot unman the slave'' — that 
" man, born in the image of God, is man, of what- 
soever color, rank, or condition" — that ^' there is no 
such thing as '•'• property in many Therefore it being 
true, that the slave is a mon, the commands respect- 
ing helping the poor, relieving the distressed, &c., 
apply to him as our "• brother," our ■•' neighbor," 
" bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh," as really, 
as to any other class of poor and needy. 

I rejoiced to comply with his request, as it gave me 
an opportunity of preaching the truth, backed up at 
every step with a 'Thus saith the Lord;' to which he, as 
Zion's Watchman, was bound to give heed, and obey. 

The references — Luke x: 27, 30 — 37; Heb. xiii: 
3; Prov. iii: 27; xiv: 31; xvii: 5; xxi: 13; xxiv: 11, 



284 LETTER FR03I THE CHAPLAIN. 

12; Matt v: 7; vii: 12; xxv: 34—45; Mark xlv: T; 
Deut. xv: 7,8, 10, 11; xxiii: 15, IG; Job, xxix: 11 — 
17; xxxi: 15—22, 32; Ps. xli: 1—3; Ixxxii: 4; Is. 
xvi: 3; Iviii: 10; Jcr. xxi: 12; xxii: 3. Each of 
these references was followed by appropriate explana- 
tions, questions and remarks, which the reader must 
imagine for himself. 

ANSWER. 

«GY^ of Jefferson, Aug. 12, 1844. 

Bro. Thompson: — As to the abstract principle of 
slavery, we would not attempt to vindicate it — but as 
to the measures by which the evil is to be removed, 
that is quite a different matter. That modern aboli- 
tionism is fraught with disastrous consequences, both 
to master and slave, is a fact too notorious to be denied. 
Measures should be adopted for the emancipation of 
the slaves, but without interfering with our political 
institutions any further than by moral suasion. 

I find slavery from the days of Abraham to the 
present time, and none of the sacred writers ever 
interfere with it as an institution, but they enjoin obe- 
dience on the part of servants to their masters, and 
never authorize resistance on their part, or an eilbrt to 
secure their freedom. The apostle says, •■ Art thou 
called, being a servant, care not for it; but if thou 
mayest be free, use it rather'* — that is, if the master 
of the slave will voluntarily free him, let him receive 
his freedom — but if not, let him not care about it! 

As to the passages of Scripture you quoted, 1 deem 
them all irrelevant, and having nothing to do with the 
subject of slavery. They have general reference to 
acts of oppression, as practiced by the rich upon the 
poor, and will be seen in the conduct of the rich iii 
free States towards their hired servants, more clearly 
than in the conduct of the master toward the slave, 



LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. ^SS 

'nd so on, a sheet full of opposition to abolitionism, of 
'. similar character to the above. 

It needs no comment. He did not give me the 
letter till about nine months after I wrote to him, 
and then just as he was leaving, so that I had no op- 
portunity to reply to him. 

As to the references, I leave the reader to judge, 
whether they are relevant or not. 

J 

THE MISSOURI BROTHER. 

The following letter was handed to us, privately, 
but it is deemed not unadvisable now to make it pub- 
lic. It was a reviving cordial to our souls. It shows 
also, that even in Missouri, are some warm hearted 
friends of the slave. This man was known to be anti- 
slavery, but being a wealthy merchant in St. Louis, 
he stood his ground. 

THE LETTER. 

« Jefferson, Xov. 23, 1843. 

•' To my dear brethren, Thompson, Burr and 
.Work, '• Peace be multiplied from God our Father and 
from Jesus Christ our Lord: " 

My Beloved Brethren: — Will please excuse the lib- 
erty 1 take, in addressing this to them. The other day, 
wiien in the confines of your wretched abode, I saw 
you all, but was denied tiic privilege of speaking one 
single word to you, though I could scarce refrain. I 
wanted to tell Bro. Geo. Thompson to be '^strong in 
the Lord," knowing that all who live godly in Christ, 
Jesus, shall suffer persecution.*' The more the god 
of this degenerate world exalts himself in opposition to 
truth, the more he disposes every sincere heart for the 
reception of it. You are, my dear Bro. T. in a trying 
and alilictive situation — but oh, trust in God^ and 



286 LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. 

these afflictions that appear dark and mysterious, will 
ultimately work out your eternal good, and the gener- 
al good of thousands. '•'• I would that ye should under- 
stand," says Paul, '^ that the things which happened 
unto me, have fallen out rather unto the furtherance 
of the gospel," &c. The Lord bless thee, my dear 
Bro. Thompson, with all his communicable fullness. 
Be assured, his grace shall be sufficient for thee. — 
Trust in Him with all thy heart, and thee shall be en- 
abled to say with St. Paul, " I take pleasure in infirmi- 
ties, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in 
distresses, for Chrises sake.'''' 

"Prisoner of hope, bestrong, be bold, 
Cast oltthy doubts, disdain to fear. 
Dare io believe — on Christ lay hold. 
Wrestle with him in mighty prayer. 
Tell Him I will not let Thee go, 
Till I Thy name. Thy nature know. 

Farewell, my friend, and brother. Thee shall not 
be forgotten at the mercy-seat. Peace be with thy 
spirit. 

"■To MY DEAR Bro. Burr: — 'Because thou hast kept 
the word of his patience, the Lord, even thy God., will 
keep thee in the time of affliction, trial, and tempta- 
tion.' '■'• He that overcometh, shall be clothed in 
white raiment, and shall sit down with my Father in 
the kingdom." Bear in mind the immutability of the 
promises.^ and be assured they arc on your side. " Lo, 
I am with you alw'ay, even unto the end," says the 
blessed Savior. 

O, believe it, dear Bro. Burr. Humble faith claims 
the blessed Jesus as the help of the helpless — the 
strength of the weak — the riches of the poor, — the 
peace of the dis(juieted — comfort of the afflicted, light 
of those who sit in darkness, the companion of the des- 
olate. Friend of the friendless, the Redemption of cap- 
tives — in a word, He is our all and in all, now, this verif 
moment, and shall he forever. 



LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. 287 

Never fear, my dear Bro. B. Be not in the least, 
cast down. Rather count it an honor to suffer for the 
cause of Christ, and his poor, afflicted suffering peo- 
ple. The time is not far distant, when Ethiopia shall 
stretch her bleeding hands to God, and this wicked 
nation shall know that there is a God, who executeth 
judgment and justice, and who ruleth in righteousness. 
Lord, hasten the time. Thousands of his saints join 
in — Lord, hasten the time; Amen. 

The influence by which my brethren are surround- 
ed is bad — it will, therefore be highly essential for you 
to importunately entreat the Searcher of hearts, to 
keep the candle of his grace hghtcd in your souls, 
then you will easily discern, if the inward parts are 
" Holiness to the Lord." The Lord bless thee, my 
dear Bro. Burr, with every new-covenant blessing. 

" No man too largely from Heaven's love can hope, 
If what he hopes he labors to secure." 

*' Man's inhumanity to man makes countless millions 
mourn." — Burns. 

•'Man is to man, the sorest surest ill." — Young. 

I am thy affectionate friend and brother. 



"To MY Dear Friend and Bro. Work: — To you 
as well as to the other two brethren, I am a stranger 
in person, but not in spirit. 

I would say to Bro. Work, " take courage." God 
says to thee, as He did to Abraham, ^^I am thy shield, 
and exceeding great reward." I was at Quincy, a 
short time ago — went to see thy companion, and thy 
dear children — they were all well. Thou need not 
feel concerned about thy family. The Lord will raise 
them up friends. I have no doubt that many of the 
brethren will esteem it an honor and a privilege, as 
well as their Christian duty, to contribute to their ne- 
cessities, whilst the head and father suffers, in the 
causeof truth and righteousness. 



288 LETTER FROM A MISSOURI BROTHER. 

The Lord thy God will hlcss thee and thy family. 
He will make thy light hrcak forth as the morning. I 
understand Bro. Work is a Mason. I will not fail to 
try what the Grand Lodge will do for his deliverance. 
I think perhaps something can be done in this way. 
Try and be patient. Trust in the Lord, and He will 
bring it to pass. 

I know you suflcr unjustly, and am persuaded in my 
own mind that you have been put where you arc, ille- 
gally, according to the laws of Missouri. On the oth- 
er hand, 1 believe the Lord overruled the affair, for the 
savino- of your lives — for if you had been acquitted, 
you would all have certainly been murdered. The in- 
furiated mob, with their faces all blacked, had prepar- 
ed the gallows and even the ropes, for your execution! 
O! "tell it not inGath, publish it not in the streets 
of Askelon," But never fear, Dear Bro. Work, nor 
be in the least discouraged; it will come out right at 
last. But look to him on whose shoulders is laid the 
government of the world, and yet, astonishing humili- 
ation! felt the infamous load of a malefactor's cross! 
Barbarous soldiers, foUov/cd by an enraged mob, led 
Ilim, like a lamb to the slaughter, that we might be de- 
livered from the heavy curse of the law, and gently 
conveyed, by the celestial powers, into Abraham's bo- 
som. My sheet is full, before I was aware — so I must 
subscribe myself, 

Your sincere friend and brother, in the cause of 
God and of the oppressed. 

This letter was to us almost like a voice from hea- 
ven. The Providence which gave it to us was remark- 
able — but the Lord will find ways enough to convey 
to his children all that they need. 

CHANGE OF WARDENS, AGAIN. 

About the ninth of December, Capt. Richmond sold 
out his half of the penitentiary, to a company in St, 



CHANGES. 289 

Louis, "Blaine, Tompkins and Barret," ungodly, avari- 
cious men. 

Many regretted the change, but we committed it all 
to God, believing that He would guide our vessel safe- 
ly through. 

The new wardens were wealthy business men, and 
they introduced many changes, improvements in ma- 
chinery, «fec. 

They were also slave holders, and looked upon an 
abolitionist with feelings more bitter than Brown and 
Richmond — but, by our conduct, we commended our- 
selves to their consciences, so that they were obliged 
to treat us with respect. But Blaine's character will 
more fully appear as we advance. Just here, I will 
say for him, that he treated the sick with more human- 
ity, and would have the prisoners fed better, than any 
previous officer. 

NEW OVERSEER. 

Our uncle Joseph, (as we called our good overseer,) 
was so kind and gentle that many would take advan- 
tage and misbehave — yet all liked him, and his kind- 
ness has often conquered the hardest, where whips 
would only have exasperated to desperation. But he 
was not cruel enough to satisfy the wardens, and he 
had to resign his station to a new overseer, on the elev- 
enth of December. And "■ then a new king arose, 
which knew not Joseph." He was a very unfeeling, 
tyrannical man, having been so long accustomed to rule 
over men, in other prisons, that he seemed perfectly 
hardened. He walked about in a very lordly manner, 
with a haughty scowl, giving /«'5 new orders and regu- 
lations. 

His tirst step was to forbid the Savior's name being 
acknowledged at the table, and turning us, as far as 
he could, into infidels or brutes. This step caused the 
picked to triumph. They had been much annoyed by 



290 LAMPS. 

having a blessing sought on the food, but when they 
saw this new regulation, they exulted over the Chris- 
tians, as if they had gained some great victory. We 
went to the former overseer — his power was gone, and 
he could do nothing. We went to Judge Brown — he 
would do nothing. We went to the inspectors, .and 
they did nothing. We went to Jesus, rolled our bur- 
den on Him, and there left it. 

LAMPS TAKEN AWAY. 

Judge B. and uncle Joseph had granted a number 
of the prisoners a lamp, by which they might spend 
their evenings in reading, and thus improve and store 
their minds with useful knowledge. 

Many of the converts were thus privileged, who ea- 
2;erly improved it, much to their benefit and comfort. 
We furnished them with books, which they read with 
great interest and profit. But this was too much for 
Blaine and Mc C. (our new overseer.) They could 
not endure to see prisoners take so much enjoyment 
and quiet satisfaction. Accordingly their next step 
was to take away all the lamps — thus obliging those 
who desired to improve themselves, to spend their long, 
cold, winter nights, in darkness and solitude. While 
many were benefitted by the lamps, no one was injured 
thereby. But Mc C. must show either his authority, 
or his hatred to that which is good. 

We were ordered to put out our light, and did so — 
but the next day, we went to Judge B., who readily 
consented to let us have it again, and we enjoyed our 
usual privilege, while others were deprived. Soon, 
another, and another, and another obtained from him 
the same privilege; and some took it without asking. 
Then again, after a while, Mc C. gave another sweep- 
ing order, and all Hghtswcre extinguished. We went 
to Judge B.; he readily granted the continuance of 
ours. The same thing was acted over again and again, 



BENEFITS OF OUR LAMP. 291 

but still the Lord gave us our lamp. Finally Judge 
B. said, "You can have it, hut jou must keep it to 
yourselves, and not let other prisoners see you have it." 
So we had our steel, Hint, tinder and matches, and lit 
our lamp, after we were locked up at night. " Behold 
the goodness of the Lord!"' 

On every occasion, when our lamp was taken away, 
we went to God and asked Him for it — He heard, and 
immediately restored it to us. 

For this blessing we cannot be sufficiently thankful. 
I know not how I could have got along without it. Be- 
sides our devotional reading and singing, news-paper 
reading, book reading, letter writing, journalizing, 
book writing, &c., &c. — my volume of Poems, com- 
posed at my work, has been principally written after 
night. I am aware that our officers and Missourians 
little thought of what use our lamp was to us, but our 
God knew what we needed, and provided it. 

But setting aside all our writings, our light was an in- 
valuable blessing. By it we read the Bible through and 
through, and who can compute the value of the knowl- 
edge thus obtained! 

Ah! little do they who have never been deprived of 
their comforts realize the importance and worth of 
what they enjoy, and of which multitudes are depriv- 
ed. Reader, may it never be necessary for God to 
take away your privileges, to teach you the worth of 
them. 

THE LOAD OF SIN. 

In a prayer meeting, Dec. 17th, three of the con- 
verts, in speaking of the goodness of God to them, 
mentioned their improved health, which they attrib- 
uted to the casting off the load of sin, which bore so 
heavily upon them; and to their loving, and obeying 
God. Multidudcs of Christians would never have 
thought of such a cause; and yet it is perfectly scrip- 



292 BENEFITS OF GODLINESS. 

tural. The Bible speaks of " length of days," "long 
life," freedom from disease, &c., as being a result of 
obeying God. As " envy is tlie rotlenness of the 
bones," so a '•'• sound heart is the life of the flesh'''' — 
and " godliness has promise of the life that now is," 
It is also a very natural result. O! could you hear 
them tell of the continual sorrow, and disquietude of 
their minds, while in ^sin, you would saj, it must be 
very wearing to the physical life — but when they 
turned to God, their souls were filled with peace, and 
quietness. Solomon says, '•'A cheerful heart doeth 
good like a medicine." What active christian does 
not know this? 

NEW RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES. 

Dec. 18, The overseer called me to the guardroom, 
and said, " We have agreed to place implicit confi- 
dence in you, that you will regard the best interests 
of the Institution." '•'I have, sir, heretofore, and I 
shall continue so to do. I feel it to be my duty," 
" That's the character given you, and now we 
want you to act, as foreman of tlie weaver's shop, 
(about twenty hands.) I shall hold you responsible 
for the conduct of the hands — the quantity, and qual- 
ity of their work, and for the supply of materials 
wherewith to keep them busy, you will be responsible 
to me, and I shall be responsible to the wardens. 
And now I want you to report every instance of mis- 
conduct, otherwise the blame will come upon you," 
&c. I felt it to be a veiy undesirable station — for I 
found it about as much as 1 could do, to watch, and 
keep myself straight, together with all the care, anx- 
iety, and watchfulness, devolving upon me, respecting 
the many weak lambs, without the load of twenty 
wild, profane, mischief-making men, being laid uj)oa 
me. But go forward, I must, claiming the promise, 
'■'■ as thy day is, so shall thy strength be." They were 



PRIVILEGES AND TRIALS. 293 

continually breaking the rules; but to report, and 
have them whipped, I did not desire. I coaxed and 
warned, I threatened and plead, but they only took 
advantage of my good nature and forbearance, which 
often almost vexed my spirit to impatience, but the 
grace of God was "sufficient," for me. 

The station brought with it, its advantages, as well 
as its trials. • 

1. I had to work but little. 

2. I could talk freely with them all, on any subject. 

3. I could go to any shop in the prison, and talk 
with the prisoners, when I pleased. 

4. I could spend much of my time in reading. 

5. I could go to my cell, for prayer, when I chose. 
G. I could remain out of my cell, on the Sabbath, 

and converse with whom 1 saw proper, and other sim- 
ilar privileges. I tried to improve these advantages for 
the good of my fellow prisoners — and not in vain. 
God blessed my efforts. 

But the station brought with it other trials. It was 
customary for the hands to do overwork, for which 
they were paid, in flour, molasses, tobacco, &c., on 
Sabbath morning. The foreman, had to go all around 
the prison to fuul his hands, and give them their pay. 
This I determined I would not do on the Sabbath. 

On one morning, I was called to the guard room, 
ignorant of what was wanted, and was offered some 
molasses, short cake, butter, &c., (as all foremen were 
allowed.) I told him, '•'•I do not wish any, sir." "Tell 
Work to come down, and get some, if he wishes." 
"He does not wish any, sir — the greatest favor you 
can grant us is, to let us have the Sabbath, sacred, to 
ourselves." " You may, but you must conform to 
prison rules — they must be obeyed, without distinc- 
tion. We keep the Sabbath sacred, and make the 
prisoners observe it (!) We wish to see all moral. (!) 
I believe in being religious every elay^ (!) though I 
belong to no church. You may stay in your cell, and 



294 



DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE. 



read, and pray, as much as you choose," &c. And 
that very day, a number of hands had to work a great 
part of it, getting bagging to the River! And this is 
a specimen of how they '■'• keep the Sabbath sacred." 
Every thing that can possibly be, is crowded into the 
Sabbath, to save week time, and yet with brazen face 
they can say, '■'■ We keep the Sabbath sacred!" 
Abominable, 

He gave me some tobacco to carry round to my 
hands, which I kept till Monday, and then gave it to 
them, as they came to their work. 

A TRYING TIME. 

On a certain week, a number of my hands did over- 
work. I looked forward to the Sabbath with many 
anxious thoughts. Saturday night I went to Judge 
B. and begged to be excused from waiting on my 
hands on the Sabbath. *•• You cannot be excused, 
Thompson." I looked at both sides of the question — 
by refusing, I might expect the displeasure of the offi- 
cers, and their influence against me — a mangled back, 
and scars for life; and what more I knew not. On 
the other hand, I should have a consciousness of 
" obeying God, rather than men," remembering that 
'^t is, thankworthi/^'iC a man for conscience toward God, 
endure grief, sutfering wrongfully." I went to God, 
and my mind fully settled on keeping the Sabbath, let 
the consequences be what they might. I threw my- 
self on the promises, and patiently awaited the morn- 
ing of decision — when, lo! a fellow-foreman came for 
my book, and of his own accord, offered to attend to 
my hands, himself, that I might not be troubled on the 
Sabbath. The hand of God was manifest, and my 
heart involuntarily arose in thanksgiving to the 
•* lEearer of prayer." 

This prisoner was a wicked man, but knew my feel- 
ings about the Sabbath, and having hands of his own 



REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST. 295 

to attend to, volunteered to attend to mine at the same 
time ! I was no more molested in this way. The 
hand of C^od on the wicked officers, restrained them 
from ever asking us to break the Sabbath. 

THE NEW YEAR, 

Jan. 1st, 1844, we observed as well as we could, 
as a day of fasting and prayer for the conversion of 
the world. We fasted, but being so occupied with la- 
bors we could not pray, except at our work, while oth- 
ers were eating, and in the evening ; at which time 
we had a blessed season. 

In my journal I recorded " How comforting to feel 
that God knows all our circumstances! "If there be 
first a willing mind, it is accepted" &c. 

The past has been a year of great things, but its 
accounts are now sealed for the judgment. How has 
Jesus plead our cause ! While the arrows of envy, 
malice and spite have been darted at us, we have 
been kept under the shadow of his wings. While 
death has cut down on the right hand and left, we are 
spared. While thousands have suffered with hunger, 
'•'•bread has been given us, and our water has been 
sure," and we have had many comforts. While oth- 
ers have been filled with fear and uneasiness, we have 
been kept in peace. What scenes have we witness- 
ed ! What songs of thanksgiving from " new born 
babes !" Our cell has been '•'■ the house of God and 
the gate of heaven." Truly it is the Lord. 

We will thank God and take courage — "Praise him 
for all that is past and trust him for all that's to come." 
He who has been with us thus far, will not now for- 
sake us — no never, never. Come what will, we shall 
lack no good thing." 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND, 

: Speaking of a prayer meeting on the first Sabbath 
of the year I said, 



296 



EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 



'•I expect to remember that delightful season when 
at the right hand of my Savior with all the blood- 
washed company. And do you not think it will inter- 
est the Redeemed to listen to my simple story of the 
amazing goodness of that Savior in whose presence 
we shall all be assembled? And will it not heighten 
their joy, and increase the sweetness of their harps, 
as I may be permitted to point to one and another, 
and say, " This man was born there." O, there are 
many trials, yet "it is good to be here.*' Never did I 
feel more contented with my condition than now, and 
you will find the reason beautifully expressed in Ab- 
bott's "Young Christian," chapter second, page thirty- 
seventh, last half — story of Howard. 

Alanson says, if ever he goes as a missionary, he 
feels bound to the place, "where the Ethiope dwells." 
James' heart flies across the ocean to the same. We 
agree as touching this thing." 

George. 
A great break. 

When one or more run away, it is called "a break." 
On the fourteenth of Jan. after preaching, as some fe- 
males were going out at the gate — a plan having been 
previously laid — one man knocked the gate-keeper 
down; another pulled the gate open, and a rush was 
made for librrhj. Seventeen went out, before the gate 
could be closed. They were so eager, that they tram- 
pled one on another, each caring only for himself. The 
large bell rang, and the citizens of JctFcrson were 
quickly on the pursuit, on horseback, and on foot, with 
muskets, and other warlike weapons. The prisoners 
were surrounded, and before midnight, all but one were 
again witliin the walls. This one was shot in the 
side, and was unable to be brought back for months; 
finally he came. 

All were sentenced to receive thirty-nine stripes 
with the raw-hide, and to have the head shaved with 



JAMES* ARM BROKEN. 297 

the razor, for six months. It being on the Sabbath, and 
just after preaching, it was a distressing scene. Thus 
the minds of all were diverted fr(»m the truth to which 
they had been listening. O, how many ways has Sa- 
tan to '-catch away the word that is sown." 

In times of such disturbances, the innocent suffer, 
with the guilty, for all are treated with more rigor and 
severity, for some time. In the midst of such confu- 
sion and excitement, it was sweet to us to reflect, 
^ Thou rulest the raging of the seas — when the waves 
thereof arise. Thou slillest them." "Surely the wrath 
of man shall praise Thee — the remainder of wrath 
wilt thou restrain." 

THE BROKEN ARM. 

On the 19th of Jan. as James was at work calen- 
dering bagging, his fingers caught in the machine, 
winding his hand, and arm around an iron bar about 
one and a half inches in diameter. Before the ma- 
chinery could be stopped it had wound his arm up 
about half way to the elbow, mangling and bruis- 
ing the -fingers and hand, and breaking into a 
number of pieces, the two wrist bones, one of which 
protruded through the flesh. It was providential that 
his whole arm was not taken from his body, or he, in a 
moment crushed to death. But the Lord, who is wise 
and good, knows just how much to afilict us, "that we 
may be partakers of his holiness — how far to suffer the 
proud waves to advance, before He says, ^'Hitherto 
shalt thou come, but no further" — and He will not lay 
upon us more than we are able to bear, for ''•He know- 
eth ourlrame. He remembereth that we are dust." 

Tie came to the cell — the doctor was soon present, 
and set it according to the best of his skill; which we 
feared at the time, was not very good, as the result 
proved. He bore the setting very well, scarcely ut- 
tering a groan — painful yet needful. 



298 TREATMENT OF JAMES. 

The weather being moderate, he chose to remain 
in the cell, as the hospital at that time was extreme- 
ly filthy, and the company unpleasant and disgusting. 

After all had left the cell, he broke out into singing 
— after which he said, " It is all right.'''' " Good is the 
word of the Lord," iSz^c. At our evening devotions, 
he united with us in singing and prayer. That night 
and most of the next day, I was with him. The pain, 
of course, was constant, so that he lost much sleep. 
In the course of four or five days, the hospital was pre- 
pared for him, and he was removed thither, where the 
Steward waited on him. There he had his bed, large 
rocking chair, books, fire, and some few things from 
outside — a little milk, a trifle of light bread, a few 
apples, &c., but his diet was principally such as the 
prison afforded — corn bread and bacon, mush or gru- 
el. He was there, tolerably comfortable, though 
much annoyed. The doctor assisted in dressing his 
arm two or three times, and then left it to do as it 
might, and probably he would have lost his hand al- 
together, but for the kindness of Capt. R., who was 
an old sea-doctor, and gave counsel respecting it. 

In about eight months, he began to do a little at 
light work, but it became stiff, so that he can do but 
little of any kind of work, and it being his right hand, 
he is the more disabled. And there is no doubt that 
it is owing to Dr. Moore's ignorance, but more to his 
carelessness and indifference, that James has not now 
the free use of his arm. Dr. Davidson looked at it, 
and .^aid, '•^ It viight have been saved, if it had been at- 
tended to, but now it is too late." Other experienced 
physicians were brought in to look at it, and gave the 
same opinion. But '•'•it is all for the best." 

If the cause in, and for which, we are suffering, be 
that of Trutii and righteousness, then are all our suf- 
ferii gs here for the sake ofChrist, and his "little ones." 
Such being the case, James can ever after sing a song, 
in which I cannot yet unite, viz: " I bear in my body, 



i 



BLESSEDNESS OF FAITH. 299 

the marks of the Lord Jesus." And what Christian 
would not glory in being able to say this in truth? — 
What a satisfaction to the mind of one who has been 
lacerated, wounded or maimed, to look on his scars^ 
and feel that they are for the sake of Jesus! And 
as they are tokens, or evidences of his love to his Mas- 
ter, so are they the means of quickening, increasing, 
and cementing his attachments to his Lord and Savior. 
"" Henceforth, let no man trouble me, for I bear in my 
body, the marks of the Lord Jesus." Sweet! 

to mrs. beardsley, 

*'• Beloved Sister: 

I am full of joy and peace in believing. It 
flows into my soul like a clear, smooth, peaceful river, 
proceeding from the throne of God. O, the blessed- 
ness of believing what our heavenly Father says. It 
keeps the soul quiet, in times of commotion and dan- 
ger; fills it with light, in the deepest darkness — yea, as 
the Prophet has inimitably expressed it, '"'• in perfect 
peace." A little faith will disperse every cloud, put 
to flight every lion, and scatter all the objections, and 
hobgoblins, that unbelief can present. It is a lesson 
that takes some a great while to learn, but the why is 
because they want their own way, and think they 
know better than God, what "will be for their good. 
How else can we account for the murmuring? of so 
many, when God frustrates their plans. Why so 
much uneasiness, when a shower falls at a time they 
did not wish, or frost cuts off the crops, or their fields 
are laid bare by some providence? Why all this 
weeping and dejection, when sickness prostrates them, 
or their friends, or relatives are snatched away by 
death, or by some rude barbarous hand, into a hos- 
tile country, to suffer and toil? Why all these, and 
ten thousand similar feelings, under afflictive dispen- 
sations of Providence? Either they do not really be- 



300 BLESSEDNESS OF FAITH. 

lieve that God governs the world, or that He mistakes 
Himself, sometimes, with respect to their particular 
case. Could they in all dispensations, see and ac- 
knowledge the hand of God, as wise, kind, faithful, 
mighty, O, how instantaneously would the troubled 
emotions of the soul be quieted to peace and joy un- 
utterable. I sometimes am so filled with pity for 
those under the influence of unbelief, I almost wish a 
tongue and power I have not, to place before them the 
excellencies of faith. It opens the blind eyes — it 
looks at things as they arc. See two persons in the 
same circumstances, under the diflferent inflnences of 
faith, and unbelief, and what a contrast! 

It was this matchless principle, that gave me joy 
and peace, when the guns were pointed at my breast 
— when dragging the heavy chain, and listening to 
the sentence of twelve years in the penitentiary ! It is 
this ^'- faith v»fhich works by love," that has supported, 
and cheered my soul, amid all my trials. 

I rejoice that I came here — that I am here — that I 
may he here. When the Lord is done with me here, 
He will give me another field. '•'•My meat is to do 
the will of Him that sent me." My self, circumstan- 
ces, interests, friends, comforts, trials, all., I commit 
to, and leave with my God, saying, '"• Father, glorify 
thy name." '•'•Here am I, do with me, as seemeth 
thee good." Farewell, 

George." 

cutting hair, and siiaaing heads. 

It was the usual custom of the officers to cut the 
hair close, on one half of the head — and in cases of 
misconduct to shave the head. 

For a year and a half or two years, our hair was 
cut in the fashion. Then it was suffered to grow^ 
naturally. Most of the prisoners thought it a great 
trial, to have their heads thus disfigured — and indeed 



HAIR CUTTING. 301 

it did present a singular appearance — but I never 
thought it of sufficient consequence to ask for — if 
they "gave me my hair," well and good — if not, it 
was all the same. They were welcome, as I fre- 
quently told them, to a half, or the whole, if they 
wished it. The character was not affected thereby. 
It is done, to keep prisoners from escaping, but it is 
all folly — for if a man is resolved to run away, he will 
go just as quick without, as with hair. Shortly after 
Mc'C. came, he gave orders to shave one side of the 
heads of the prisoners. Some, by hard pleading got 
excused — but to us there was nothing said about sha- 
ving heads, or cutting hair. And from that time, with 
a iew short exceptions, when there has been great 
excitement, on the occasion of a '"' break," or some 
such thing, we have had our hair. 

Many have been sent forth with one side of their 
hair cut close — and one man, had his whole head 
shaved, a day or two before he was discharged — both 
of which are in direct opposition to lazo. 

DU. ELY. 

Jan. 28. The celebrated Dr. Ely preached to us. 
All that he said, was good, plain truth, but spoken in 
such a light manner, as to cause much laughter, and 
I fear, spoiled the good effect it might have had. The 
recollection of his past conduct, respecting Marion 
city, and his slave, and slavery, so rushed upon my 
mind, that, I confess I could not receive that profit, I 
otherwise would have gained. He once vvas a great 
man, but where is he now? O! hov/- his case should 
teach us to keep humble at the Saviors feet, and 
watchfully avoid every thing that will tend to lead us 
away from God! 

I spoke to him. He said he recognized me as otie 
of the three — (he was present at our trial.) He went 
in to see James, and talked with Alanson, but could 



302 GOD DEFENDS THE WIDOW AND FATHERLESS. 

not give much comfort — '•'• If I was thus separated 
from my family,*' said he, '•'• I should be very unhappy." 

GOV. REYNOLDS SUICIDE ! 

Feb. 9. 1844, was an eventful day. Gov. R. after 
making out his will, writing letters to several persons, 
♦fee, retired from the breakfast table to his office, and 
deliberately committed suicide, by discharging the 
contents of a loaded rifle, into his head. He had 
pardoned out a number of loilful murderers., while the 
cases of others were rejected; and finally has gone 
himself to reap a murderer's reward! 

Something of the kind we had looked for. We 
had long prayed that if he could not be converted, 
but was fully bent on withstanding the Almighty, and 
trampling down justice, and judgment, he might, by 
some means, be removed, that the cause of sulfering 
humanity might advance. The cries and tears of 
many fatherless children, and desolate widows, had 
long been ascending to heaven against him. And a& 
God has said He '•'•will surely hear their cry," is it 
any wonder that he was cut down, in awful judgment? 

'-'• The fatherless and widow," are objects of heav- 
en's special care, and protection. And just as certain 
as '■'•in thee the fatherless lindcth mercy," so surely 
will their '• Redeemer thoroughly plead their cause,'* 
'•'• hear their cry, and save them" fioni their rich, and 
proud oppressors. "Well did a noble British officer,* 
in the time of the Revolution, on hearing of the cru- 
elties of some of his fcllow-ollicers, to the widows and 
fatherless, remark to a widow, ''Such men will ruin 
our cause; for the word of God assures us, that His 
car is always open to the cry of the widow and or- 
phan — and believe me, madam, I dread their cry, 
more than I do the shouts of an C7icm7/''s army^'''' 



'Major Mucklewonb 



THE CLASS. 303 

Yes, sooner let kings and monarchs seek my life, 
than the orphan's or widow's cry ascend to heaven 
against me. Rather let me cause " the widow's heart 
to sing for joy;" and let ^' the blessing of those who 
are ready to perish, come upon me," and I am happy. 

Remembering the danger of indulging in improper 
feelings at the downfall of an enemy, we called to 
mind the injunction, '•'• Rejoice not, when thine enemy 
falleth, lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him." 

As we felt it to be the hand of God, we could but 
say, Amen, and pray that He would accomplish His 
own purposes, by the event. 

The Lieutenant Gov. Marmaduke was sent for, and 
took his place. 

THE CLASS ORGANIZED, AND BROKEN UP. 

I had often urged the chaplain to form some kind 
of an organization for the converts, by which we 
might be regulated in receiving, disciplining, and cut- 
ting off members — that it might be known who were 
^'- of us," and who were not — but was put off from 
time to time, with one excuse and another, for about 
eleven months. Every one who went up to be prayed 
for, was looked upon by the wicked, as having "-joined 
the church," and when any who had been to the 
anxious seat, whether converted or not, '•Hurned hack^"* 
they were pointed at, saying, "■ There is one of your 
professors!" "That's your Christianity!" "I knew 
they were all hypocrites!" &c. Thus the reproach 
was cast upon all — '■' for whether one member suffer, 
all the members suffer with it." 

And there being no way to deal with backsliders, 
they were still looked upon by the wicked, as belong- 
ing to the church, and in fellowship with those who 
walked uprightly. Some of these very backsliders 
would sometimes attend the meeting, sing, and even 
pray, which grieved some honest hearts, and gave the 



304 CLASS BROKEN UP. 

wicked occasion to rejoice, but what could I do ? Should 
1 tell them that I did not wish to see them in the meeting, 
this would create disturbance. Should I forbid them 
to sing or pray, I should be called partial, intolerant, 
and charged with domineering over men's consciences. 
I was much tried — yet felt it my duty to give full lib- 
erty for any to speak or pray, who felt so disposed. 

At length the chaplain came with a methodist "class 
paper*' — talked with the overseer, who gave permis- 
sion to have a class formed — promised to furnish a 
room, where we could meet every Sabbath — that I 
should put such names on the paper, as I thought proper, 
which persons should be allowed to attend the meet- 
ing — must give the guard a list of the names, that he 
might know whom to leave out of their cells, to meet 
in class— rfor now all others were locked up, and not 
allowed to attend unless they belong to the class! 

I felt myself placed in peculiarly trying circumstan- 
ces — dark clouds were fast gathering — the officers 
were evidently working against the prayer meeting, 
which had done so much good, but to go ahead, as long 
as I could move, trusting in God, I was determined. 

We met four or five times in the capacity of a class, 
and were then forbidden to meet any more, to the 
great grief of many! I talked with the overseer, but 
he was unyielding. I asked for a reason — he replied, 
^* I think there will no good result from it." ''I know 
of no evil that has resulted" said I, " but much good. 
lias there been any improper conduct in any of the 
meetings!" -'None, but I think evil will grow out of 
it!" Not the first instance of evil could he point out, 
but meet we should not! There seemed to be a set- 
tled determination to oppose every thing that had 
good in it. 

1 went to judge Brown — he refused — though he had 
positively promised that wc should have the meeting — 
that he would make all the prisoners attend, and 
would attend himself lie was turned like a weather- 



OCCASIONAL PRAYER MEETINGS. 305 

cock, by Mc C, whither he would. All hope from 
this quarter failed. I went to the chaplain — he could 
do nothing. We went to the inspectors — they prom- 
ised time and again, that it should be established. I 
rehearsed its history to them — its rise, fall, and re- 
sults — they saw no objections, and said they would 
attend to it, but they never did any thing. We car- 
ried the case to our Father, and he seemed to say, 
"Let it suffice thee — speak no more to me concerning 
this matter." We ceased, saying, " The will of the 
Lord be done." 

As numbers of the brethren were allowed to stay 
out of the cells on the Sabbath, I begged the privilege 
of having them come to our cell and pray with us. 
Mc C. and Judge B. both utterly refused. We could 
get together in companies and talk — the most wicked 
men in the prison could laugh and talk together all 
day, and no fault was found! but meet to ^ra?/, we 
;Should not! 

As our cell was open on the Sabbath, we ventured 
to invite the brethren at all events — some were afraid, 
and others resolved to come, till they were obliged to 
stop — they came, and we had precious seasons to- 
gether. The Lord richly blessed our souls. And 
from that time, we had occasional prayer meetings, 
just as we could get any of the brethren together long 
enough. Of some of these seasons, I shall hereafter 
speak. 



CHAPTER VI. 

CHARACTER OF THE CONVERSIOiNS— INCIDENTS. 

INTERESTING CASES. 

First. — Old J. D. was a colored man — for a misde- 
meanor he came here, and served three years. He 
once was a dave, and bought himself and family. 
19 



306 POWER OP GRACE ON AN UNEDUCATED HIND. 

For himself he gave five hundred and fifty dollars — for 
his wife, four hundred and twenty — for liis daughter, 
four hundred, and for a child before it teas born^ thirty- 
five dollars! f//i^o?vi f/t/W/rn, bought and sold! Was 
ever such a thing heard of in the most savage nation 
under heaven? And yet in this gospel land, it is not 
an uncommon thing ! * O ! shame, shamc^ on my coun- 
try! O! slavery, where is thy blush? 

J. D. was a remarkable old man — he could not read 
a word, but was a striking instance of the power of 
grace on the uneducated mind. He seemed taught 
by the Holy Spirit. His afflictions brought him to the 
Saviors feet. I could wish that those who say, "the 
niggers have no souls," could only hear him talk 
and pray — surely their mouths would be stopped. JVb 
souls! What blasphemy! His views of gospel truth, 
and Christian duty, in many respects, were very clear, 
remarkably so. He talked understandingly, and, when 
engaged, with great energy, eloquence and application. 
He was always active and ready. From many of his 
sayings, take the following as specimens. 

On one occasion in the prayer meeting, he said, 
"God has so placed me that when I kneel down to 
pray, the devil runs azeay^ for he dont like me — and 
thank God there's no great loss, for / donH like him. 
They may take me how, or when they please, Pm al- 
ways ready, and have something to saj' about God and 
bis goodness to mc." 

What a reproof to many who can find nothing to 
say for Jesus, unless they are in a particular mood — 
who can talk about every thing else but religion! 
" Always ready !" What a lesson ! 

In the same meeting a young man professed to give 
his heart to God, before whom J. D. took his stand, 



* A prisoner who had long been an overseer in the South, said, "It 
isa coiHmon ihin<; Houth, to sell unborn children. They commonly 
briny one hundred, and frequently one hundred and fifty dollars." 



THE SPEECH CONVERTS. 307 

and addressed him as a young soldier, at some length 
in a spirited, affecting manner, concerning the di^ffj- 
cukies, doubts, dangers, &c., of the Christian life — 
much to tlie edification of all present. 

In another meeting, he said, '■'My heart has leaped for 
joy to day. Trusting in God ! There's nothing like it in 
all the world. I thank God for sending me here. It.has 
been the means of saving me from everlasting torments." 

After the prayer meeting was broken up, he 
came to our cell one Sabbath, and we sang and 
prayed together for some time. He arose before us 
to ••' tell us the state of his soul," and said, "■ Jt has 
now been a long time since we met here, but I feel the 
knot drawn tighter than ever, and my soul is anchored 
out in the cause of the Lord. I feel that God is good 
in sparing me. When I came here, I did not expect 
to live one year, but He has helped me to worry my 
time almost through. I hope and pray that He will 
spare me a little longer, that I may meet my little fam- 
ily, and tell them what he has done for my soul — to 
meet them, with Jesus in my soul, and glory in my 
view. And oh! brethren, when I'm gone, I shall re- 
member and pray for you. If we should meet no 
more on earth, we shall meet in heaven. I shall 
know you there as I do Ae?r, and there, there will be no 
more locking up. Glory to God! Press on then 
brethren, through every difficulty, that you may be re- 
warded. The prize is great, and soon the time will 
come when it will be given to us. And when I'm gone, 

I want you all to pray for old gray-headed J y, for 

though I am far away, when you kneel down, your 
prayers will reach my heart. Sometimes, when I re- 
flect what God has done for me, my heart leaps for 
joy; and I believe if the prayer meeting had contin- 
ued until now, I should have been able to move a 7noun- 
tain! It was like going to a school to be instructed 
and strengthened. I sometimes get cold now, but 
what little I have, they can'i get from mc.'^ 



308 A CHRISTIAN SPIRIT. 

Notice his estimation of the prayer meeting. Ma- 
ny felt as he did. He left the prison, ajive in religion, 
and spent most of the day going round the city, talk- 
ing to the slaves and directing them to trust in God. 

He came into the prison again, and said to James, 
" I feel better than I did, the day / bought my head.''' 
He-took and gave many lessons on abolition. He was 
water-drawer, the most of his time, and talked with 
many slaves. 

Second. — H. B. was a father. In the prayer meet- 
ings, he often spoke of his family, while the tears 
would flow freely, in view of his past unfaithfulness to 
his wife and children. And to hear him pray for them 
was affecting. 

On one occasion he said, ''I would give ten thou- 
sand worlds, if I could only hear of the conversion of 
my children."' The liOrd heard him. In a {ew weeks 
news came of the conversion of two of his daughters, 
which filled him with great joy. He wept as he rela- 
ted the news, and blessed the Lord. 

At another time, his little son came to see him, with 
whom he conversed. Said he, " Tell your mother 
that 1 am spending here the happiest days of my life. 
I am contented. I should like very well to come home 
and instruct my children, but cannot just now." 

At another time, news came, that his son, about 
seven years old, had died. The spirit which he mani- 
fested was so perfectly Christian, so sweet, so submis- 
sive; and his conduct so exemplary, that we rejoiced 
in hap})y disapj)ointment. He felt perfectly reconciled 
and satisfied with what his Father had done — felt that 
it was right, and all for the best — that God would 
take care of his child better than he could, " and I 
cheerfully give him back to Him, who gave him to me. 
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, and 
blessed be the name of the Lord." 

But his wife came a few days afterwards, and in- 
formed him that the boy was alive, and had not even 



THE GRACE OF GOD MAKES A CHANGE. 30§ 

been sick. He received his son as Abraham did 
Isaac, *'' from the dead, in a figure." He felt that he 
was dead, and under this impression manifested his 
faith and dehght in God's will, and when his faith, 
as it were, was proved, as Abraham's, God gave him 
back his son, whom he was so willing to surrender 
at the call of the Giver. 

At two dilFerent times he was at work outside in the 
woods. The guard was his relative, and said to him, 
''' Now B., if you wish to go home to your family, go, 
and 1 will not stop you. You can have my pistols and 
go." His family lived only about twelve miles dis- 
tant, but religion made him unwilling to receive lib- 
erty in a dishonorable manner. He chose to trust in 
the Lord. Once, he, with a company of others, 
had determined on '•'hberty or death," but the plot 
was providentially discovered and broken up. See 
what a change the grace of God makes. His general 
deportment gave us great comfort in our affliction. 
At length a pardon came for him, and he went home, 
after retiring with us to our cell, to pray and commune 
together, probably for the last time. Anticipating his 
departure, I composed and gave him the following : 

ON THE RELEASE OF A PRISONER. 

1 Go, Fellow Pris'ner, here so long confined 

By iron doors, and locks, and gloomy walls; 
Leave all thy tears and suff'rings now behind, 
And answer to thy little children's calls. 

2 Go find your darlings — wipe away their tears — 

Cheer up their hearts — their sorrows drive away — 
Bid them to banish all their former fears. 
And now rejoice to see the wished for day. 

3 Go find that weeping, broken-hearted wife. 

Whom thou hast caused to mourn, by evil ways; 
Go sweeten, now, her long embittered life, 
" And in God's fear together spend your days. 



•J 10 REWARD FOR SUFFERING. 

4 Go to your friends, whom you have made to weep, 

And who have followed you with many prayers; 
Go wipe the tear from off that furrowed cheeii, 
And Hghten hfe's oppressive, anxious cares. 

5 Go, tell them all that you have seen and felt — 

The evil of your former wicked ways; 
That Jesus' love your hatdened heart did melt, 
And filled your soul with songs of grateful praise. 

6 Go show the world, by upright, holy acts, 

And godly conversation, joined with all. 
That you henceforth, will mark your Savior's tracks, 
And do, in earnest on his name now call. 

7 Go, Fellow Pris'ner; go be useful. Go, 

And be to man a blessing where you dwell: 
The end of sinful ways to sinners show. 

Which lead to prisons, gallows, and to hell. 

8 Go serve Manasseh's God and your's till death. 

Nor e'er forget your lonely prison-ceil; 
"Remember those in bonds," with prayerful breath, 
And meet me finally in heaven. — Farewell. 

lie had spent many pleasant hours and Sabbaths 
with us, and seemed as dear as an own brother. Our 
hearts were knit together like those of David and 
Jonathan. 

Third. — W. F. P. was a young man of feeble con- 
stitution, and of rather loose habits. He was con- 
verted soon after coming here, and lived so that the 
wicked were obliged to confess, "I believe that he is 
a Christian."' He was sick much of his time!, and 
often thought he was near his end; but was always 
composed, and willing to die or live, just as God saw 
best. How lias my soul been refreshed, as I have 
conversed and prayed with him, in view of death! 
O, he was so sweetly resigned to his Father's will. 
The spirit that he exhibited, and the testimony he 
bore, would amply reward us for all our sufferings, 
had we nothincr more to comfort us. 



THE HAPPY PRISONERS UNDER AFFLICTION. 311 

At one time he said, " I am better satisfied and 
more contented her^, than ever I was outside. I 
praise God for his afflicting rod, and feel that my 
two years here will be the happy means of saving me 
from the prison-house from which none are pardoned." 

Again, I called on him, when he was very sick — 
conversed and prayed with him. Found him in an 
excellent frame of mind. He said, '■'My pains are 
great, but I feci that God is my friend. He is good 
and does all things right, and knows best when to 
afflict. '•He docs not afflict willingly,' nor will He 
afflict me more than I can bear. I am willing to lie 
and suffer, as long as my Lord sees best. All is in 
love, and for my good. VVe should be thankful for 
afflictions as well as mercies, for all are blessings." 
He had doubt about getting well, but was not alarmed. 
He felt some anxiety about his old father and family; 
but committed them to God, and felt that by prayer, 
in prison, he could procure for them blessings and 
necessaries, which he could not when at liberty, a 
wicked man. I fed him with some of the promises, 
upon which his faith seized with eagerness, and I felt 
that it was well worth coming to a penitentiary, to enjoy 
suchaprivilcgeof comforting one of Christ's 'little ones.' 

He spent his last Sabbath in our cell, much to our 
satisfaction. 

Fourth. — C. S. was a Russian, from St. Petersburg. 
He gave us much comfort — was exceedingly interest- 
ing in prayer meetings or private conversation — full 
of life and zeal. He attributed his first serious im- 
pressions, to seeing us so frequently on our knees, 
and hearing us pray, when he carried around bread 
at night. He thought if we needed to pray, surely he 
vastly more. And to hear him pray and talk, in his 
broken English, would do any one good. 

Reader, I have given you some specimens of our 
prison fruit. I might multiply cases, if my limits 
would permit, but these must suffice for the present 



312 INTERCESSION FOR ALANSON. 

It w as my habit, when any who were friendly to us 
came in, to intercede with them to use their influence 
to restore Ahinson to his family. As the inspectors 
w^ere frequently in, I plead his cause before them. 
They listened, felt an interest in his case, and promis- 
ed to speak to the Governor, and use their influence 
to get him out — but it was their opinion that when one 
went, we would all go. They always treated us with 
great respect and kindness. 

At one time, a Mr. C. was inside, to whom I said — 
"" Tell the Governor, that if he will let Alanson go, he 
may add his remaining time to the end of mine." But 
they would not admit of this kind of substitution. 

At another time, an honorable Judge came in, with 
whom I made myself somewhat free, and who seemed 
to feel for us, and had said to our friends that he believ- 
ed we were innocent. He was a man of extended in- 
fluence, and could help if he would. I asked, " Cannot 
something be done for Work's release?" " I do not 
know — Work is a first rate fellow." I said, "If there 
is an honest, conscientious man in the world, I believe 
that he is one." The Judge replied — '•'•I have no 
doubt of it; I have no doubt of it." He also asked 
many questions respecting Alanson's family, and then 
went up stairs and talked with him. 

EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY. 

He promised Alanson he would go andsee the Gov- 
ernor in his behalf, but added, 'M think no Governor 
will take the responsibility of turning you three out, 
without the co-operation of the Legislature." 

llesponsibility ! Indeed! If a thief, a whore-mong- 
er, a robber, a "• man-stealcr," or a murderer, is peti- 
tioned for by his friends, the l"]xecutive can very read- 
ily take the "• responsibility" of turning them loose 
upon the community, without any fear of public cen- 
sure, or risk of losing his popularity, or election to 



*' EESPONSIBILITY AND GIVING TIP THE POINT." 313 

some higher seat of honor! And this fearful "re- 
sponsibility," has often been taken without even the 
form of a petition! But when asked to ''open the 
prison doors" to those who are acknowledged to be 
honest, conscientious men, against whom they have 
"no imputation," who have a '•'•good character," and 
are "first rate fellows." O! they cannot endure the 
"responsibility!'' To pardon the whole list of crimi- 
nals, is no responsibility; but to release those who 
love and desire to benefit their fellow men, and whose 
lives are devoted to doing good, this is insupportable 
"responsibility!" For such persons, in Missouri, are 
execrated, and should the Executive turn them loose, 
a torrent of public disapprobation may be expected, 
which he cannot meet, since he " loves the praise of 
men more than the praise of God." What a notion of 
** responsibility !" But more : 

Gov. Marmaduke came in, and had a number of the 
prisoners called before him — two or three murderers 
and Alanson were among the number. He said to 
Alanson, " I have received two letters from your wife, 
and answered one of them, informing her that I could 
not, consistently, let you go. I have also received a 
long argumentative letter on slavery from Mission In- 
stitute, signed by three individuals. I am glad to hear 
of your behavior here — though you are far ii-om friends 
it has made friends of all who have had any thing to 
do with the place, and it has also made friends outside! 
If 1 consulted only my own feelings as a father, I 
would immediately turn you out, but I cannot, consist- 
ently with my executive duties. The excitement, all 
over the country, is the greatest it has ever been, and 
I do not think that 1, or any other Executive would be 
sustained by public opinion^ in letting you go. And 
further — should I let you go, it would have the ap- 
pearance of GIVING UP THE POINT !" What poiut? 
Why their opposition to our principles. They hold us 
here, because we will not " give up the point" — and if 



314 VITIATED PUBLIC SENTIMENT. 

they should let us go, while we persist ia our doc- 
trines, it would have the appearance of giving up to 
us that we were right and they were wrong. But if 
we would only give up the point, they can let us go, 
and boast,"- We've conquered them at last." 

I have not heard of their being troubled about the 
" appearance of giving up the point" to thieves and 
murderers* who have been pardoned out, and who 
declared, too, they would do the same thing again! 

To act in accordance with the convictions of con- 
science, while the frown of a few ignorant, unreason- 
able, feeble men, is incurred, is great responsibility — 
but to do v/rong, and incur the displeasure of that just 
and Almighty Being, who holds their life and eternal 
destiny in his hands, is no responsibility! What a 
vitiated public sentiment do such things bespeak! Yet 
such is one of the natural consequences of slavery. 

Contrasted with such principles, how noble is the 
conduct of him, who, with promptness and resolution, 
will do right, though the displeasure of the whole 
world should be incurred, or the sacrifice of his life be 
the consequence. The man who thus acts from a 
principle of duty to God and man, leaving consequen- 
ces with the Lord, finds a rich reward in his own bo- 
som, though outward sufferings and reproaches may be 
heaped upon him. 

We are thankful that we are not in prison as State 
felons — but we rejoice that we arc "• counted worthy 
to suffer shame," as abolitionists — as the friends of suf- 
fering humanity. We ask no higher honor in this 
world. 

JAMES AND THE MISSOURI LAWYER. 

As James was reading his Bible, in the shoe-shop, a 
lawyer from Boone Co. came in, and asked, ^ What 



•Gov. M.,soon after this coversation withAlanson, pardoned out two 
murderers — one of whom wilfully aud resolutely shot his neighbor. 



ALANSON AND JAMES OUTSIDE. 315 

book is that?" " The Bible, sir." " Do all here have 
the Bible?" "Many arc without any, but would be 
glad to have one." '• Is a Bible given to each one 
when he leaves here?" It is given to none, sir," "I 
think it would be an excellent plan, it might saue them 
in the hour of temptation. What is your name?" 
"My name is Burr, sir." '^ Ah, that is just what I 
should expect from the character I have heard of you 
outside, to tind you with your Bible. Hold on to it." 
•' I expect so to do as long as I live!" " Yes, it is the 
only thing worth sticking to." 

Would to God that all lawyers could thus speak of 
the Bible. O! what an overturning would there be 
in our courts of mocA;-justice! IIow much less fraud, 
lying aud extortion would be practiced by them! And 
how many more would be ready to plead for the poor 
as well as the rich, and "-open their mouths for the 
dumb," in the cause of humanity! 

March 11. James returned to the cell — having 
been absent six and a half weeks. About this time, 
Capt. Richmond was exj)ecting to move away, and 
Alanson and James were permitted to go outside 
alone, at two ditfcrent times, each, to converse with 
Mrs. R. Nothing prevented free conversation on 
any subject, and the topic of slavery and helping 
slaves was discussed with kindness and good feeling. 
Mrs. R. had always been kind to us. 

About the middle of March, a citizen was in the 
shoe shop, conversing with the hands about petitions. 
He turned to James, and said, '•'Here is Burr, 1 will 
not sign a petition for him, because he will not give up 
his principles." 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

I am happy to find again a few words from Alanson 
and James, that they may speak for themselves. They 
wrote in my letter — 



316 



LETTERS. 



"■Dear Wife: — I sj^mpathize with you in your 
troubles, but can only relieve you by advice and 
prayer. I hope you will draw your consolation from 
the word of God. Affliction sanctified, is better than 
affliction removed. God's promises are exceeding 
large, especially to the widow and fatherless. Will 
not you and the children look out all you can find, 
and make them your own. Then you will rejoice in 
tribulation. I want you should be able, with a full 
heart, to testify to the faithfulness of God in support- 
ing and carrying you in triumph through all your 
troubles. Be not troubled about me. I am well. Be 
faithful to the children. Tell them to be good, and 
then we shall meet in heaven, if not before. 

"The Lord bless you, and keep you, and provide 
for you. "Farewell, 

"Alanson Work.'' 

from james, written with his left hand. 

"Friends: — Why do I not hear from you more 
often? I am sure if you v/ere in prison, "enclosed in 
hewn stone," and could neither see nor hear of what 
was going on in the world — if you were obliged to 
see one thing all the time — and in addition, if you had 
a broken arm to chcrr the gloom, you would wish for 
some one, now and then, to comfort you with a word 
of consolation. You know but little of the worth of 
a letter in prison. I want you all to do what you can 
for the salvation of souls. J)o as the "Village Black- 
smith" did — "set a trap, and bait it with faith and 
prayer." Do all the good you can, 

"J. E. Burr." 

THE LEGISLATOR DOCTRINE LAW. 

April 4. One of the four legislators who came to 
our cell one Sabbath, mentioned in Part II, called ta 



CONVERSATION AND REFLECTIONS. 317 

talk with me. He began, "I suppose you feel about 
as you did when I last talked with you," "I am not 
aware, sir, that any material change has taken place 
in my mind, and I do not think the people of this state 
can, with reason, require us to give up our sentiments, 
before they will let us go." The absurdity was so 
plain, he had to acknowledge it, and said, "They do 
not, nor could they in any land of liberty." 

Reader, you have been shown time and again, that 
they do require this — that our principles^ and they 
alone, sent us here, and keep us here. " Give them 
up, and you may go," is the cry from every quarter. 

The man went on, '"If you can promise neither to 
come to this state, nor aid others in coming to assist 
slaves, there will be no difficulty in getting your time 
shortened." "We have repeatedly told you we should 
not come to this State again, for that purpose." He 
had considerable to say about the law — that it was 
made by the people, and till repealed should be ob- 
served — that the way to alter it was to enlighten the 
people. Very good and true, but how are the people 
to be enlightened? They shut their eyes, and stop 
their ears, and make special laws to keep out the light 
from the State. They will neither hear nor read on 
the subject of Anti-slavery, and if any one dares to 
attempt to ^'enlighten the people," he is mobbed, ban- 
ished, or cast into prison. How shall we enlighten 
them? Will the slave-holding statesman tell us how? 

Again the man said, "For one man to disregard the 
law, is to set himself up against all the people, and 
tends to the subversion of all government." 

But what does all this amount to, so long as the 
law is against the Bible, and contrary to God's law? 
If the law is unrighteous, and tends to the subversion 
of the law of heaven, it must be opposed, though it 
should subvert every government on earth. There 
must be those who will cry aloud, and refuse obe- 
dience, even unto death. When human and divine 



318 THE PniSON DAUGHTER. 

laws conflict, the latter are always to be regarded. 
'■'We ought to obej God rather than man," is the 
Christian's motto. 

FEMALE PRISONERS. 

In the early part of our time, a woman of vile char- 
acter, was sent here — staid two or three days and was 
pardoned. About a year afterwards another came, 
for killing her husband. Her sentence was five years — 
she staid nearly two, and was pardoned. 

She w^orked outside, at Capt. R.'s and Judge B.'s 
house. Mrs. B. abused her so shamefully, she ran 
away, but was brought back the next day and locked 
up in her cell, where she had but little to eat or drink, 
for some days. The horrid cruelty towards her, while 
thus locked up, so aroused the indignation of certain 
wicked prisoners, that there was strong talk of a ^'•mu- 
tiny^^'' unless Judge B. altered his course. After 
about three weeks she was again taken outside, where 
she worked about four months — coming to her cell 
every night. In the fall she became the mother of a 
daughter. The doctor refused to be present at the 
time of her delivery. Mrs. Brown would neither come 
nor let any one else attend — the overseer told one of 
the prisoners to assist her — who did so, and he was 
the only one to wait upon her for some time. Mrs. 
B. refused to come near her, or to furnish any materi- 
als for the child's clothing — so that she remained in 
her cold cell, with her child, for nearly a week before 
any thing was done. Nor was she allowed to have 
any fire during the cold winter weather — but suffered 
in her damp and chilly cell, till she was pardoned out! 
The whole is a horrid, disgraceful affair, on all sides. 
But can any thing better be expected from slavery? 

The next woman was put in a cell and riviled fast, 
having a stove, and every thing brought to her, 
by other prisoners, with whom she conversed much. 



THE COLORED WOMAN. 319 

A great many resorted to her cell to talk with her. 
Her conversation was very disgusting. She was 
sick much of the time, and often in the night have 
we been awaked by her groans and screams for help. 
After a time the door was unfastened, and the guard 
could go there when they chose! She staid about 
six months and was pardoned out. 

The next was a colored women. She arrived here 
in the night, and was locked in a cell with three wicked 
vile men! The next day she was arrayed in prison 
colors — half of her dress yellow, and the other half 
white. This was the first time that any female had 
been so clothed. The others wore their own clothes, 
which they brought with them. 

She was then placed in the wash-house, to work with 
two wicked men — if in her cell by day, it was 
unlocked, so that any prisoner could visit her, or 
any guard by night! Now why is she treated in 
this manner? ^'-O! she is nothing but a nigger!'''' 
And what respect is paid to a " nigger s^^ purity in a 
slave State? Many other things might be mentioned 
respecting the abominable treatment of these women, 
but I must pass along. 

A PROHIBITION. 

So many of the prisoners who were trusted outside 
alone, had run away, that the inspectors prohibited the 
oflBcers from sending any men out without a guard. 
But as James had been sick and was quite feeble, he 
asked one of the inspectors, if he could go out and 
breathe the fresh air, for his health. The reply was, 
•^I have no objection, and I presume the other inspec- 
tors will have none. We are not at all afraid of you. 
There is not the least imputation against you!" "No 
imputation!" and yet will not let us go! 

At different times James went out and enjoyed the 
liberty of recreating himself as he chose, which great- 
ly invigorated his system. 



320 



A NEW ORDER. 



Usuallj, in the morning, the guards went around 
and unlocked the cells, not waiting to see whether 
the prisoners came out. But McC. gave his order, 
that the guards, after they had gone round, and un- 
locked the doors, should go round again, and lock up 
every man, who was not out of his cell. Then whoever 
was thus locked up, was taken to the guard room, to 
give an account of himself. Generally, there were 
two bells — one for rising — the other fifteen minutes 
after, for opening the cells, at which time, every man 
was ordered to be ready to come out, and proceed to 
his place of work. Frequently the guard would for- 
get themselves, so that the two bells would ring al- 
most immediately after each other — or there would 
be only one, which often deceived the prisoners, and 
tliey were unable to get out in time. 

Our morning devotions were often disturbed by the 
unlocking and slamming of doors, but pray we would, 
leaving consequences with God. Some of the guard 
would not mind any thing about us, if we were in our 
cell, but others wished to show their authority, and 
importance. 

One morning, as I was on my knees, such an one 
came around, and saw me — stood a moment, went to 
the window, and waited — then came back, as I was 
ready to go out, and said, ''•ril lock you up every | 
morning, if you do not come out sooner." I simply 
replied, '•^I am willing, sir." lie reported me to the ' 
overseer, but he knew that I understood my own busi- 
ness, and said nothing about it. The guard, poor 
man! Did he think he could frighten a christian from 
prayer? Wc felt the need of it. It was our '•'■vital 
breath.'^'' Look at this. Reader. The poor prisoners 
are driven to work, from before they can see in the 
morning, till after they can sec at night — hciving not 
more than half sufficient time to eat — and yet if one 
is found on his knees after the door is opened, fault is 
found because he is not at his work, whether he has 



i 



RICH BLESSINGS. 321 

any thing to do or not! This will give you an idea 
of the trials of the dear converts. Such circumstan- 
ces teach us the value of secret retirement. Deprived 
of this, we could lift up our hearts, while at work. 
This, man could not prevent. 

'^MY CUP RUNNETH OVER." 

About the first of May, a barrel came from our 
friends to Judge B. It was more than half full of 
crackers — of which we had not a taste. In the same, 
was nearly a half bushel of dried fruit, which was 
given to us — also a quantity of medicines, which we 
received — a bundle of letters, on which we feasted, 
and a valuable addition to our library. Memoir of 
Elias Cornelius, and Hannah Hobbie, Pike's young 
disciple. Pilgrim's Progress, Counsels to young men, 
Infidelity, Allcinc's x\larm, Baxter's call, Bouge's Evi- 
dences, and Missionary Heralds. As we had many 
calls from {)risoncis, for books, we could now supply 
them more fully. We had long felt tbe need of more 
religious books — for such was the general anxiety to 
read^ they would read any thing, however plain and 
cutting it might be. A number of novels had also 
been furnished by Mrs. Brown, which were devoured 
with great eagerness. To counteract this influence, 
we needed the truths and God abundantly provided it, 
from time to time. Beside our books, we had a good 
supply of tracts, magazines, papers, &:c. — so that our 
cell was a general resort, on Saturday nights, and 
Sabbath mornings, for sometbing to read on the Sab- 
bath, which gave us again the opportunity of speak- 
ing to them about their souls. In this way, "a great 
and effectual door" was opened for us to do good, for 
which we blessed the Lord. 

SEARCHING THE CELLS. 

It was customary, now and then, for the guards, or 
overseer, to go around, and search all the cells, to see 
20 



322 PROTECTED FROM THE DEAn[CES OF THE ENEMY. 

what could be found, that was not allowed — if any 
were breaking out, &c. 

When guards who were acquainted with us, went 
around, they did not disturb our cell, and frequently, 
as they passed, or looked in at the door, the remark 
has been heard, '■'There is no danger here"— "Every 
thing is right enough here," &c. But sometimes new 
guards — ignorant, stupid, self-sufficient guards — raw 
Dutch guards, were sent around, who knew no better 
than to take every thing as they went, making no dis- 
tinction. At such times there was a great rumaging, 
and overturning in our cell. They found many things 
to look at — yet such was the general appearance of 
the cell, that the almost irresistable impression was, 
''There is no danger here" — for it has more the 
aspect of a student's room, than of a prisoner's cell. 

At one time, a very self-important guard came in, 
while James was unwell, and searched the cell. He 
took down my letter box, which before had not been 
disturbed — in which I kept my old letters, my jour- 
nal, and various trinkets. He examined the letters, 
and looked at my journal, but the Lord blinded him, 
so that he did not know what it was. He exclaimed, 
"Why, what an extensive correspondence this fellow 
has!" He look some little articles, which the over- 
seer, and Judge B. restored to us. Thus the Lord 
was good to us. 

At another time, some Dutchmen went around. 
They turned every thing up-side down, and took a 
number of things, which Judge B. gave back, as soon 
as we asked him. All my writings and papers, they 
pascJ by, not knowing that there was any harm in 
them. This work was then partly written, besides 
various other writings, any of which, if they had fal- 
len into the hands of the officers, and been read, 
wo'.'ld have brought me into deep zoatcr, but the Lord 
bli''!ed and fooled them on every occasion. "He 
disappointeth the devices of the crafty." 



A NARROW ESCAPE. 323 

As the overseer had been around examining the 
cells, I asked him, ''•Did you find any thing amiss in 
my cell?" He replied, '•'•It looks more like a store 
room, than a prisoner's cell," and yet the Lord did 
not let him take away our '•'•store" of goods. But at 
the last searching, we had a narrow escape — yet the 
"•way of escape" was opened in due time, so that 
God, again disappointed them, and delivered his little 
ones, who cried unto Ilim. 

In the cell were a number of boxes — one large 
chest, in which James kept his papers, and our spare 
clothes — another, filled with dried fruit — and another, 
containing all my papers — journal, and writings of 
various kinds. 

The two former were left — the latter, with all its 
contents taken. 

They so arranged it, that no one could go to his 
cell, to get any thing, and we could only lift our 
hearts to God for help, which was granted. As mj 
box was on the way to the guard room, I told the 
guard, who was standing near me, and who had 
always been very favorable to us, that there w^ere 
some things in it, I would like to have — he stopped it, 
and I took out all my papers, and every thing that 
was of any consequence. He looked at my journal, 
but made no objection. Had he not been present, I 
should not have dared to stop the box — it would have 
been examined, and myself probably severely punish- 
ed, and my time here much extended — but God has 
promised to defend those who trust in Him, and He 
did so. 



324 FIFTH DEATH-BED SCENE. 

CHAPTER VII. 

DEATH— LETTERS— VARIOUS EVENTS. 

FIFTH DEATH-BED SCENE. 

About the first of May, a fellow-prisoner was taken 
down with Consumption. At ditierent times we 
were called on to sit up with him. James was with 
him one day and night, and asked his feeUng in view 
of death. He replied, '' I know I am not prepared to 
die. I know it — I knoio it, but my pains are now so 
great, that I have just as much as 1 can attend to, 
without thinking of that." 

I was with him one night, but did not talk mucli, 
as he seemed inclined to sleep most of the time. — 
There were three others in the hospital. I read a por- 
tion of scripture, and prayed with them, and they re- 
tired. Towards evening of the next day he sent for 
me. I went, and found him worse. 1 asked, "■ Are 
you in pain?"' "I have no particular pain (of body,) 
but I have another sort of misery, nmcry^^ referring 
to the distress of his mind, in view of his condition. 
He continued, "-O, I have a heap I want to say to you, 
when I have opportunity." "Do you think much 
about your past life of sin, as you lie here?" ''O yes. 
Have 1 not, to day, been dissolved in tears, in view of 
it?" I urged upon him the necessity of true repent- 
ance, and immediate submission to God, while reason 
was continued — and placed before him the danger of 
delay — to which he assented. He felt that he should 
not get well, and wished me to send the minister to 
him, which 1 did, on the Sabbath after preaching. — 
Poor man! he liad not only his pains, and feeble 
state of body and mind to contend with, but the sneers 
and "wickedness of the wicked," who made light of 



CONVERSATION WITH THE DYING MAN. 325 

his seriousness, and tried to divert his mind. Alan- 
son was with hinn one night, and conversed and pray- 
ed. Tlie next night I was with him, but had not 
much conversation — spent the most of my time writing 
some of the foregoing pages. 

A day or two after, he called for me in the morning. 
He was very glad to see me, and wished me not to 
leave him. lie wished me to sing, '' Eden of love," 
which I did; he said, "That is the most delightful 
song I ever heard." Then occurred the following. — 
*''Doyou feel prepared to die?" '•'•No." "Do you 
feel the importance of it?" "Certainly — certainly — 
but you see how low I am — so weak I can do nothing, 
I cannot help myself to anything." "Though you 
cannot walk, you can think, and speak to God in your 
heart." "O, I do think, day and night." "Do you 
feel that you have been a great sinner?" I kjiozv it — 
but not so bad as some — I am better than many." "Do 
you think your good works will do you any good, or 
be of any avail before God?" "No, they will not." 
" Your good works arc but '"''Jihhy rogs.'''' You must 
come to God as a guilty sinner, as a rebel, as a beg- 
gar of mercy, for Jesus' sake, and cast yourself wholly 
upon Him. Do you think God is willing to forgive 
you?" " I expect so; why not me, as well as others?" 
"He will, if you come as he has directed." "1 am 
willing to come so." "Are you willing to confess your 
sins?""" Yes." "Doyou?" "I do; but what is repent- 
ance?" "It is true sorrow for all sin; and putting it 
away. Now should you get well — go forth into the 
world — have plenty of money, and the prospect of liv- 
ing many years, would you not love sin as much as ev- 
er?" "No, I would do right." "God has been very 
kind to you all your life." " Yes, He has." "But 
have you ever done any thing for Him?" "No, 
I have done nothing, and now I am so weak, what can 
I do?" " You can repent, and give your heart to God. 
If you now fix your affediuns upon Him, and strive to 



326 THE DYING MAN MURDERED. 

please HiminyourmmfZ,it will be as acceptable, as the 
actions of those who are well. You can now sin in 
your heart, as well as others in their actions. And 
you may soon die, therefore it is the more important 
that you now secure the salvation of your soul, and 
make Jesus your Friend." "Is He not my Friend?" 
" I do not know. He is if you love, and try to please 
Ilim." ^ If I get well, I will never do wrong again." 

On the evening of the next day, a wacked man call- 
ed to see him, and in a light manner remarked, '^ O, 
you will be about again in a few days, and walking 
around — won't you?" It was with difficulty the sick 
man could speak, but he exclaimed with emphasis, 
"Go away — I am dying, go away, go away. Don't 
you see death hovering around me?" He felt that he 
was near the grave, and did not wish such persons 
near him. As he looked up and saw me, he asked 
"Is that you, Mr. Thompson?" "Yes, how do you 
feel?" He could but faintly utter, "About as usual." 
The next morning I called to see him, but he was be- 
yond conversation, or perception, and soon breathed 
his last. 

He said, one night, to the man who w^as watching 
with him, "• I am mMrf/cTCf/. If I had been brought 
here, (the hospital,) three days before I was brought, 
and when I rvanled to come, my life might have been 
saved — but instead of that, they made we work when 
I was not able, and now I must r//e.'" And he is not 
the only case. I shall have occasion to mention others. 
Ho was buried — I was going to say "with the burial of 
an ass," but truly there is more solemnity at the buri- 
al of many a dumb brute, than there was in this case. 

While he was yet in the hospital, some were swear- 
ing — others talking and laughing about him, as if noth- 
ing had hap[)encd. Such carelessness and inditfer- 
ence as was manifested around this dying and dead 
man was most shocking — and bespoke a depravity of 
ihe human heart, not to be expected among savages, 



NOW IS THE ACCEPTED TIME. 32T 

and probably to be found only with gospel-hardened 
sinners. How just the complaint of God, ••' Seeing 
many things, but thou observest not;'' — '' my people 
doth not consider." 

REFLECTION. 

How uniform and united is the testimony, that "a 
sick bed is a poor place to prepare to die." And yet 
how many arc acting the same foolish part, and sur- 
rounded by such a ■■' cloud of witnesses," are " putting 
far oflf the evil day," 

Reader, oic7- death-bed may be attended with such 
burning fever, racking pains, and distraction of thought 
and mind, as will utterly disqualify us for thinking up- 
on our latter end — for arranging our business, for 
meditation and prayer — for warning sinners, or incit- 
ing saints to duty. Then let us think of death, judg- 
ment and eternity now — arrange now, and so keep 
arranged, all our business, that it will not require our 
thoughts upon a dying bed. Let us do our duty to our 
own souls, to saints and sinners, now — prepare now 
to meet God, and henceforth, live in a continual state 
of preparation to depart suddenly, or by a lingering dis- 
ease, or in any way, time or place God shall choose. 

extract of a letter. 

Beloved Parents and friends: 

"Ebenezer," — God is faithful. Though 
the earth be in motion, and rock from center to cir^ 
cumferencc — though the nations are moved and agi- 
tated, while war is raging, and "•' rumors of wars" con- 
tinually fall upon our ears, yet a simple trust in God, 
will preserve us from all anxiety and apprehension of 
evil — from all that would disturb the sweet repose of 
the soul in Him. 



328 THE GREAT WORK. 

Beloved, it is unbelief- — a secret unwillingness that 
God should rule and govern as He pleases, that caus- 
es all the disquietude, fretting, murmuring, discontent 
and sorrow, which is so common among professing 
Christians, when things do not go just as thry had de- 
sired or planned. And this unhelief is very offensive 
to our kind Father. It evinces a very bad, unsub- 
dued spirit, entirely unbecoming obedient and submis- 
sive children. 

God has promised to give this world to his Son; 
but a great work is yet to be done, before it can be 
brought into subjection to his holy will. Mankind are 
in a state of alienation from Him — degraded, deprav- 
ed, and sunken in ignorance and vice — yet this work is 
TO BE DONE, and that speedily. And all opposition 
to the onward march of his kingdom, and the victories 
of his cross, will be as vain as they are unreasonable. 
The wicked may scoff — infidelity may spread itself 
abroad, and fill our land with its deadly poison — Ca- 
tholicism, with all its absurdities and blasphemies, may 
sweep over our fair heritage like a deluge — and Sa- 
tan with his combined legions may rage, and bring in- 
to exercise all his crafty devices — but all in vain. — 
ImmanuePs victorious chariot, shall roll on — "The 
stone cut out of the mountain without hands," shall 
'•''increase, and fill the whole earth" — the "little leav- 
en " shall work, '^till the zcholc is leavened." This 
revolted empire shall be completely subjugated; and 
to Jesus "every knee shall bow," and all nations, 
tribes and tongues own Him their Lord, and King. 
But in what way is this glorious triumph to be brought 
about? By Christians being '•'•co-workers with God,'''* 
" laborers together ivith Him,'''' and co-operating with the 
Holy Ghost. 

The day has come when every one who bears the 
Chiistian name, must make this work the great object 
and business of their lives, or give up all hope of be- 
ing friends of the Prince, who calls upon all his follow- 



CRUELTY LIBERTY. 329 

ers to fly to his assistance, and lay down Ihcir lives, if 
need be, for his cause. O, who can — who dare, 
sleep, in such a day as this? 

George." 

the beaten uorse. 

Judge B. had often beaten, very cruelly, a poor 
horse, which was somewhat balky. As he was thus 
beating the poor beast one morning, with a hoop-pole, 
he was kicked in the face, disfigured and seriously 
bruised, escaping narrowly with his life. The doctor 
was speedily called, who washed and sewed up the 
wound. "A merciful man is merciful to his beast," and 
cruelty to dumb brutes, is not overlooked, nor suffer- 
ed to pass unpunislicd by Him, whose are ""the cattle 
upon a thousand hills." Then how should they trem- 
ble, who can treat human beings, stamped with the 
image of God, n^orsc than they treat their brutes — who 
inflict wounds, and stripes upon a fellow, "which mer- 
cy with a bleeding heart, weeps, when she sees in- 
flicted on a beast." '• Blessed are the merciful." 

THE SLAVE AND LIBERTY. 

A slave was in on business, with whom James con- 
versed. He expected to be free in the Spring, by 
means of his master's will. He said, " In the time of 
the war all were for liberty. Every ball that was 
shot was for liberty; and I am for liberty too." The 
very thought seemed to give him new life and anima- 
tion. 

O, liberty, sweet liberty! thou gift of heaven, and 
dearest boon of man, on earth, for which our fathers 
bled and died, how art thou now by their children, de- 
nied to three millions of our brethren, in this our 
boasted land of liberty. How art thou abused! How- 
little valued, and how little understood ! O, long de- 



330 THE OFFICE OF THE SPIRIT. 

sired day, hasten thy approach, when the inestimable 
blessings of "Uberty, and the pursuit of happiness," 
shall be enjoyed, open and free alike to all. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

On tlie ninth of June, a Campbellite preacher 
"held forth" before us. He was brought by the 
overseer, who favors that religion, because he can have 
it and hold on to his wickedness. The preacher was 
gifted, and said many good things, but he spoke too 
lightly of the influence of the Blessed Spirit; and it 
is to be feared that they who can speak lightly of 
that, but too plainly evince their ignorance and need 
of its heavenly efficacy. Take away the Holy Spirit, 
and what can we do? We cannot know Jesus, for 
the "Spirit takes of Him, and shows unto us." 
We cannot understand the Scriptures, for the Spirit is 
our " Teacher." We cannot see the guilt and de- 
pravity of our own hearts and lives, for the Spirit 
''convinces of sin." We cannot pray, for the Spirit is 
our "-Helper." We cannot find happiness, for the 
Spirit is our "Comforter." We can know nothing of 
the joys of Heaven, nor have any view of the things 
unseen and eternal, for they are "-revealed unto us by 
the Spirit." We shall never love and obey God, shall 
neither speak, will, nor do good, for it is the Spirit 
that inclines, persuades, and draws us — speaks and 
works in us "to will and to do." "It is not by might 
nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." 
"Uphold me by thy free Spirit." "Thy Spirit is good 
— lead me into the land of uprightness." " Grieve 
not the Holy Spirit," but "Be filled with the Spirit." 

THE SLAVE AND HIS CRIME. 

June 13. A slave was brought here in chains, 
hand-cuffed and barefoot. What was his crime ? Why 



AWAKE, AND CRY ALOUD. 331 

he had been torn away from his wife, whom he 
dearly loved, and went one hundred miles to see her! 
And for this was he brought here, with a special 
charge to our tyrant, "Work him hard, feed him 
lightly, and flog him for every offence," all which was 
eagerly fulfilled. 

It was McC.'s custom to give those who did their 
task, a piece of meat at night. The slave did more 
than his task, and came among the rest for meat. 
McC. addressed him, "-'What do you want, nigger?" 
"• Some meat, sir." " You can't have any, there's 
none for you." '•'• Why, he has done more than his 
task," said one. " That's nothing. I'll make him do 
that, and feed him twice a day." O, cruel slavery! 

He was also flogged very severely for nothing, ex- 
cept that he was a poor slave. After three months he 
was probably sent south, for an infamous dealer in 
human flesh was around here buying up all he could, 
to take to the low countries. 

With what fear and agitation must the bosoms of 
the poor slaves be convulsed, when a "trader" is in 
the neighborhood! Christians, and ye husbands who 
love your wives, look at this case. Think of it, and 
remember there are at this moment, thousands^ whose 
wives and children are as dear to them as yours are to 
you, from whom they are rudely sundered, and sold to 
distant climes, to meet them no more on earth! Have 
you the heart of a Christian? Then let it ascend to 
God in their behalf Have you a mouth and tongue? 
Then cry aloud against such abominations, and "open 
your mouth for the dumb." Have you the common 
feelings of humanity? Then awake and exert your 
every power for humanity, bleeding at every pore. 

EQUALITY OF SLAVEHOLDERS' LAWS. 

June 19. A man seventy-lhrcc years old was brought 
here, for ten years, charged with Lev. xx : 15! Aston- 



332 "past feeling." ^ 

ishing, if true. The old man could do nothing, and 
the officers interceded for him, so that he was par- 
doned in a few weeks. Whj? Not because he was 
not guilty, but because he could do nothing for the 
profit of the officers. This has been the case in a 
number of instances. 

But look here. Slaveholders will send a man to 
the penitentiary for ten years, for the crime refer- 
red to; while for fornication and adultery, if per- 
chance the female be a slave, no notice is taken 
of it; but high, and low, black and white, bond 
and free, may thus indulge with impunity. O, Slavery! 
where is thy blush? Alas! thou art one of those '^wiio 
being past feeling, have given themselves over to work 
all uncleanness with greediness!" 

OUR "reformer." 

As a crazy man was reading aloud Ihe tract, '^ We 
are all here," at the same time attending faithfully to 
his business, Col. Price came along, and forbid his 
reading, took the tract, and tore it in pieces on the spot, 
before our eyes! How similar is this to one of Israel's 
kings, who cut the Book of the Law in pieces, and 
threw it into the fire! He also once forbid me to read, 
when I had nothini£ to do at the time. Again, he re- 
fused to give me a letter, because it had a few words 
in it about the abuse of a '•'servant girl;'' and there is 
no doubt tliat he destroyed a bundle of our letters, which 
we had written with the permission of olher officers, 
to send by a friend. A prisoner wrote a letter to the 
inspectors, which every prisoner has a right to do by 
law. (/ol. P. threw it into the fire, liefore his eyes! 

Many other such thing> 1 might mention, respecting 
Col. P., but will speak of only one more: he is an 
unreasonable, oj)pressive, iicry tipler, i 

Such is one of the men placed over criminals to rev 
form them — such the inveterate hatred to all good, of | 
one of our head managers ! "A place of reformation I'** 



THE LITTLE CLOUD. 333 

On the 27th of June, a small cloud of promise arose, 
which raised our hopes a little, that God was ahout to 
do something for this place. The chaplain was deputed 
by the inspectors, to ascertain how many Bibles there 
were in the prison, and report to them. He went 
into every cell, leaving tracts and searching for Bibles, 
and found forty ! Here are eighty cells, and about one 
hundred and seventy prisoners, and forty Bibles among 
them all! In many of the cells there are two, and ia 
some three, so that more than three fourths of the 
prisoners were without any Bible, and many without 
a book of any kind, except as Satan sent them a novel, 
or as they borrowed from others. We had numerous 
applications for a Bible, and had to lend our own to 
supply the demand. We were rejoiced to see that 
the inspectors were waking up upon this subject; for 
we had frequently spoken to them, to ministers and 
legislators, pleading for Bibles. But look at this case. 
The law provides that every prisoner shall have a 
Bible. See the neglect. Yet it is called a " f lace 
of reformation." This term in the mouth of Satan, 
and applied to this place, is full of meaning — for it 
does, mostly, reform men from good to bad, and from 
bad to worse! But as the term is used by Christians, 
to apply it thus lo this place, is a mockery of language 
and an insult to common sense. '■'But have not many 
been truly reformed here?" Yes, but no thanks to our 
wicked ''reformers," for the greater part of the reform- 
ation. True, for a while they granted us the privilege 
of having prayer meetings, for whicii we, and thou- 
sands of others will thank them eternally — for souls 
were saved thereby — but a great part of the religious 
reformation has been carried on, nohoilhstanding all 
their hatred and opposition to the work, at the risk, 
many times, of bringing down upon us their displea- 
sure, and their fury. Take out the few Christian pris- 
oners, and then the only influence and tendency of the 
whole system, under its present officers and regula- 



334 MEN MADE WORSE. 

tions. is to damn the prisoner; to harden and destroy 
the officers; to curse the community, the state, and the 
world. Many come here, who either know nothing 
about crime, or they are mere children in such know- 
ledge. After studying a (ew years under such willing 
and experienced teachers as are the officers and many 
of the prisoners, they become perfect adepts in the 
business. The old and learned become chafed and 
exasperated, till they are prepared for more daring 
deeds; the weak become strong, and the strong be- 
come stronger in wickedness and vice; and all, with a 
few exceptions, are made tenfold more the ciiildren of 
hell than before! '•'A place of reformation!" 

THE FOURTH OF JULY. 

All hands were allowed to quit work about three 
hours before night, and keep sotnc of the fourth — of 
which day, the most of the prisoners thought much, 
as a day of gambling, drinking, feasting and carou- 
sing. 

An cxt7-n supper was prepared, consisting of wheat 
flour biscuit, unleavened, fresh pork and cotTee ! After 
supper, the prisoners stood in groups, talking as much 
as they chose, no ofliccr making objections, except in 
one case. As ] stood conversing with a colored man, 
a guard looked at him and called out, "• See here, 
come away from there." Had he been talking with , 
any except one of us, there would have been no ob- 
jection. But he celled with a slave^ and was talking 
to an abolitionist. They dislike to have us communi- 
cate with the slave in any way — but, thank God, we 
did place •■' the salt" before them by proxy, though 
we could not always speak to them ourselves. 

For a icvf days in the beginning of July, I was sick, 
and quit work. While tl)us sick, a letter was given 
to me, bringing the joyful news, that my oldest brother 
was preaching — for which 1 had long been praying — 



THE CONDITION OF DISCIPLESHIP. 335 

and that my youngest, with his wife, had devoted 
themselves to preparation for the missionary work. 
Language failed to express my feelings. An extract 
from the answer is all I can give. 

THE EXTRACT. 

"I almost feel to say with old Simeon, 'Lord now 
lettest thou thy servant depart in peace,' for thou hast 
heard my prayers, I can cheerfully spend my life in 
seclusion and toil, or with a willing heart, depart from 
every earthly field of labor, since you have arisen to fill 
my place. You have now a thousand times repaid 
me for all my anxiety respecting jou. Labor to get 
enlarged views of the gospel, and of the work before 
you. Remember, ' The field, is the world^'' and not 
some little ' garden spot,' here at home, where they 
have rejected the gospel a thousand times. The great 
portion of the field is yet uncultivated^ covered with 
thorns and nettles, having never yet heard '- the joy- 
ful sound:' and in unbroken crowds, the inhabitants 
are sinking to rise no more. The gospel would have 
saved them if carried to them. Christians might have 
done it, they neglected it, and millions are lost for- 
ever! Where is the guilt? 

From every land, they now cry, '•Come over and 
help us.' If they receive the gospel^ they may be 
saved. Christians can, and should, give it to "every 
creature." If they refuse^ may the Lord deliver me 
from their account. Do you not say, ' Here am I, 
send me?' A hearty missionary spirit, is the only 
true spirit of Christianity. It is this that constitutes 
the very condition of discipleship. ' Whosoever he 
be that forsaketh not all that he hath, cannot be" — 
a deacon? a minister? a missionary? No, no, but 'he 
cannot be my disciple.'''' Let this spirit fill your soul. 
Let the gospel be given to the present generation of 
heathen, or they will perish, and rise up in the judg- 



336 JOY IN DEATH. 

ment to condemn all who could, and who were urged 
to go, but '•' would not." O! look forward to the judg* 
ment. Will you there, have thousands curse, or 
bless jou? 1 j)ity those who can satisfy themselves 
with excuses, when millions are crying, when all na- 
tions are stretching their hands for the '-bread of life.' 
Truly the work is great and responsible, but *■ our suf- 
ficiency is of God.' Though I am ' shut up, and can- 
not go forth,' I do rejoice to hear of others entering the 
field. Though we are weak, blind and ignorant, our 
foes are numerous and strong — and obstacles fill our 
path, yet glory to God! we hear, 'My grace is suffi- 
cient for thee.' 

George.-' 

As a few of James' letters have fallen into my hands, 
I delight to extract from them, that he may speak for 
himself The first should have been introduced pre- 
viously to his breaking his arm, but it will be interest- 
ing here. 

FIRST EXTRACT. 

"•Dear Brother: — "-God is love." He desires 
our greatest happiness more than we or all the bowels 
of humanity concentrated could desire it; and his Om- 
nipotence will surely bestow on his children every 
thing that will be a real good, in time or eternity. 

When my sickness was most alarming, I had a bright 
foretaste of heaven, and longed to take my departure, 
to unite with tiic briglit throng l^efore the throne. 

My soul was filled with rapture at the thought of 
meeting t^ood old Ai)raham, the prophets, apostles, and 
all the martyrs, who have ''come up out of great trib- 
ulation." Nor do I now feel anxious to tarry long on 
this earth. 1 am only a pilgrim and a stranger, as all 
my fathers were. I long to join the happy company 
above. God has shown me the vanity of all terrestri- 
al objects — that " this world is poor from shore to 



LETTER FROM JAMES. 

shore," and has nothing that is worth one hour's toil, 
compared with the joys of heaven. I would like to 
leave this world for some fairer clime and I know of 
no place short of heaven, worth stopping at." 
I 

second extract. 

"Dear Brother: 

I am obliged to write with my left hand, as my 
right arm is broken. For the last four months, my 
health has been better than at any previous time since 
I came here. God has "■ stayed his rough wind, in 
the day of liis East wind" — for my former poor health 
and a broken arm in addition, would have been both 
winds together. The Lord knows what wo can bear. 
You see 1 have been called to " sing of mercy and of 
judgment." 

God is ten thousand times better (o me than all my 
earthly friends. Notwithstanding all my unworlhi- 
ness, He has gone before me in all my troubles, and 
has been a '•'•'sun and shield" to me. lie has not for- 
gotten his " exceeding great and precious promises." 
He stands pledged that not a " hair of our head shall 
perish;" yetitdepends on our staying where He com- 
mands us. If we forsake Him, as did the children of 
Israel, we must expect the rod. But what a privilege! 
that He who cannot err is as willing, as He is able, to 
lead us! To Him I will repair. He "doeth all things 
well." 

J. E. B." 

MY dreams. 

While in Palmyra jail, I was, in my dream, pursued 
by an enemy. He came up to me, and asked, ^'•Are 
you one of those aboUtionists?" '"'I am." said I, when 
off went his pistol, and I dropped dead at his feet. Here 
we were all three beheaded, for refusing to fight in 
time of war. Once I was hung. And many other 
21 



338 DREAMS. 

dreams of trouble and danger have I had — but all have 
had one peculiarity — I always came out safe — a '•'■ way 
of escape" was opened. If I was in danger, the 
Lord delivered; If I was killed, I quickly came to 
life. The enemy was, in every instance, disappoint- 
ed. This greatly encouraged me to hope that God 
would finally deliver me safely from all my enemies. 

Many very pleasing dreams I had — such 'as laboring 
with sinners, preaching, being in prayer meetings, 
"•pleading for the dumb," helping slaves to freedom, 
being taken again, meeting friends, &c. 

THE INCENDIARY LETTER. 

She who is now my wife once wrote me a letter on 
an anti-slavery sheet of paper, having stamped on it a 
colored woman in chains, on her knees, crying "Am 
not I a woman and a sister?" It created considera- 
ble talk and '^stir;" for slave-holders cannot endure 
to see in picture what they see every day in real life — 
they are very sensitive. However, they reluctantly 
gave me the letter. 

At another time, (the first of July.) she wrote, giv- 
ing an account of her journey to the Indians, and their 
habits, and her return home. Among other things, 
was a story of a certain servant girl, who was very 
much abused, whipped, punished and scratched by her 
mistress, till the l)lood trickled down her face. It was 
not stated that the servant was a slave,* or that she 
was even colored; but Col. Price, who was famiHar 
with such scenes, supposed of course she must be a 
slave, and would not give mc the letter. I ascertain- 
ed from a fiicnd that the letter had come and was with- 
held. 1 mentioned the case to the Chaplain, which 
greatly incensed McC. and Col. R against me. I 



* I have since learned that she was a slave — and the inhuman mia- 
trcbs was the wile ot an officer of government, among the Indians. 



THE INCENDIARY LETTER. 339 

spoke to Col. P., he declared he would not give it to 
me. I spoke to Judge B. again and again, till he pro- 
cured the letter and brought it to our cell, saying, 
"Read it and hand it back to me." Had the letter 
fallen into his hands in the first place, there would 
have been no difficulty; but since his partners htid re- 
fused, he gave it to us secretly, lest they should turn 
against him. 

Said Col. Price, " You have been corresponding too 
freely, and it must be stopped." Judge B. — '-The 
Governor, inspectors and officers have agreed that no 
prisoner shall be allowed to write or receive letters res- 
pecting any means for their liberation; but I have and 
shall allow you three to write freely to your friends 
on that subject; and shall give you every chance to 
help yourselves, in that way, that I can." 

Before the letter was given up, we were looking for 
some judgment to follow their attempt to oppress us — 
for it had always been the case. And the day after 
we heard of the letter, one of their horses dropped 
dead. In two days another was found dead — and they 
soon gave up the letter. 

MY DEPOSITION. 

While they were thus excited about the letter, I 
was suddenly taken from the weavers-shop, and placed 
in the coopers' shop, where I would have none but 
myself to watch, and also could learn a new trade. 
But the next week they were obliged to send for me, 
to fill my old place — which I did for a few days, 
and then went to weaving. 

All the reason they pretended to offer for removing 
me from the foremanship, was, '•'•You are too easy 
with the hands — too tender-hearted — too desirous of 
keeping peace with them all. The hands are not 
afraid of you." And who would not wish to keep 
peace, and to have his workmen do their duty from 



340 EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

love, and not from a slavish fear? If I had caused 
three or four of my hands to be whipped every day, 
1 should have been a first rate foreman! But because 
I would not exercise the spirit of a slaveholding ty- 
rant, they are displeased — this is proven by many 
I'acts. 

But more. Another very obvious reason was, 
because I would not break the Sabbath, honor their 
dignity, and sacrifice all principle, to please them, as 
did the other foremen. 

Judge B. had nothing against me. lie remained 
calm and kind, and took my part against the other 
ofiicers. 

Col. P, did not speak a word to me for more than 
a year after that time, so that i had no further diffi- 
culty with him. 

ANSWER TO THE TROUBLESOME LETTER EXTRACT. 

'•Where have Christians shone brightest, and ex- 
hibited to the world the excellency, and power of 
religion in its greatest brilliancy? Sunounded by 
comforts, luxuries, friends, and every thing that heart 
could wish — temporal and spiritual? Ah! go the pris- 
on — the dungeon — the stocks! Hear the persecuted 
saints sing, and pray, and shout, supported and com- 
forted by a hand unseen — a power divine. Go to the 
rack. See the astonished multitude look on, and 
wonder! The bones arc cracking, tlie sinews snap- 
ping, but songs of praise, and prayer for enemies, 
mingle, and ascend to God! Sec them at the stake, 
amid circling flames, blessing their persecutors, and 
shouting, in prospect of eternal blessedness! Wit- 
ness Daniel in the den — the three children in the fur- 
nace — Joseph in the j)rison, and a host of others. In 
them, religion slione forth, with charming lustre. OV 
give mc such a religion! What gave to the world, 
some of Bunyan's rich works? A prison. What 



BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION. 34t 

taught Baxter, the sweetness of ^^The Saints' Rest?" 
A prison — long, and severe afflictions. What gave 
"Dodd's Prison Thought*," to the afBicted? A pris- 
on. What Memoirs are the most spiritual, and exhib- 
it most of the gospel? Those which give the history 
of suffering saints. Witness Pajson, Page, H. Hob- 
bie, and many others. What says the humble chris- 
tian of every age? "My most afflictive days, have 
been my best days." Think of Job. Read the elev- 
enth of Hebrews. What would the "■afflicted, tossed 
with tempest, and not comforted." do, without these 
rich examples of patience, submission, joy, and faith? 

What drew forth the overflowing, never-failing 
fountains of comfort, joy, and peace, in a multitude 
of the Psalms to sutlcring saints ? Sore afflictions. 

Let us not then be afraid to meet any trial that 
our Father places before us. He will be with us. 
*"• My grace is sufficient for thee." George. 

inspectors' second examination. 

They heard many sad tales. Some had been un- 
justly punished — some, shamefully neglected and left 
to suffer when sick — others complained of their food 
— others, of oppressive tasks, &c. 

The inspectors promised to rectify these things, 
but that was the last of it. They generally talked 
much, and did little. 

When I was called before them, the officers were 
very uneasy, and greatly agitated. They stood be- 
fore the door, went away, returned, looked in, talked, 
and squirmed as if they were on nettles. They 
thought I was exposing their abominations — and so I 
was, and they could not help themselves. Many 
things were laid before them. I gave them a history 
of the rise, effects, and fall of the prayer meeting — 
spoke of the need of, and general desire for one, &c. 
I added, " It seems to be McChesney's object, to 



342 FALSE NAMES. 

break up every thing like religion here." They all 
agreed there could be no harm in having a prayer 
meeting, and promised to make arrangements. They 
said to James, '•'■We mean to do all we can to bring 
things right here, and to have a prayer meeting." 

They told Alanson, and some of the converts, that 
they could see no possible objection to it, and gave 
great encouragement that it should be re-established 
— but that was the last we heard about it! We in- 
formed them of the Sabbath breaking, by officers and 
prisoners — but things only grew worse. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SICKNESS— LETTERS— SLAVES. 

FALSE NAMES. 

It is quite a common thing, for prisoners to come 
here under a false name — thinking, thereby, to keep 
their friends from knowing that they have been in the 
penitentiary — that they may go out into the world 
again, and not he known as a '•'• Convict." In the 
time of the prayer meetings, I told them that ail such 
were living iics^ and they must give up. their false 
names, and be honest, or they could not i)e Christians. 
One of this class professed to be converted. We 
told him he must take his right name — and he was 
just ready to do it, when he asked the chaplain about 
it, who lold him there was no harm in it, and we 
could do no more with him. 

Others gave their right names, and were willing 
the world sliould know their characters — "-converted 
convicts!" 



FALSE NAMES. 343 

After we were forbidden to meet together, a num- 
ber of the brethren were in the habit of coming to 
our cell, on the Sabbath, to sing and pray. At one 
time, an old man, who had belonged to the Old 
School Presbyterians, in Ireland, and in Philadelphia, 
was present, and confessed he was here under a false 
name. "■ I have been much troubled about it. It was 
foolish and wicked in mc, to do so. It is a transgres- 
sion, for which I must humble myself before God." 
He confessed his true name, and felt relieved. 

We were now so hurried with work, that we had 
but little opportunity^ to look after the lambs. Take 
the following for a specimen. A brother, who slept 
under the same roof with ourselves, was very sick 
for four days, before we knew any thing about it! 
Other prisoners have died before we heard they were 
sick. 

A NOTE OF THANKS. 



I have mentioned that many prisoners read our 
books. The following note will show with what feel- 
ings they were received by wicked men. It was 
written by one who had read the most of our library. 
He was a great thief^ yet a great reader — an English- 
man. Just before he left he wrote: 

" Sunday, July, 28, 1844. 

'^To G. Thompson:— Please to accept my thanks, 
for the many favors you have bestowed on me, in al- 
lowing me the use of your books, from time to time. 
I wish it was in my power to make you some compen- 
sation beside that of empty thanks. You have my 
best wishes. While you walk in the flowery paths of 
religion, you have nothing to fear: for the God whom 
you worship, is the same that delivered Daniel out 
of the lions' den. I should be very glad to see you, 



344 NOTE. 

and your companions, at liberty. "Let me die the 
death of the righteous, and let my last end, be like 
his." 

G. L. 

How many Christians are often dejected, and fear- 
ful, in times of trial! Says an enemy, '"'•You have 
nothing to fear." Christians, cheer up. 

The same person read '•'•Christian Perfection," and 
wrote on a blank leaf, "I have read this book, not 
with any prejudice against the doctrine it contains, 
nor have 1 read it with indifference, but still there is 
a something — a longing disposition to hang on for the 
pleasures of the world." The judgment is convinced 
— the will rebels. 

TASKS. 

For about two years after we came, there was no 
task work, — except in the brick yard, where they 
were regulated by brickmakers' rules. When task 
work began, they were quite moderate. By rewards, 
and promises, prisoners were encouraged to do over- 
work, and when they had shown that they could do it 
easily, the task was raised. Take the case of the 
weavers shop. At first,the task was thirty-five yai'ds (bag- 
ging) a day. It was a long time before they could get 
any one to do this. They coaxed, and threatened, and 
hired, till one did it — then oil must do it. Next, for- 
ty-four yards, by hiring, was done. This was one 
piece. The task was then six pieces a week, and a reward 
offered for s-cvni pieces. When that was done, it was 
given as a task — do it, or be punished — and a reward 
offered for eight. And so on to twelve pieces — Judge 
B., and McC. solemnly giving their word, from time to 
time, that they would not go any higher. But vvord, 
honor, and every principle of honesty, propriety, or 
decency was sacrificed to feed the avaricious desire! 



TASKS. 345 

The weavers, trusting their veracity from time to 
time, continued to do overwork, till the task was rais- 
ed from thirty-tive to one hundred yards a day, which 
the most could do before night 1 could do my task 
and have Saturday to myself, for reading and writing 
this book. And after I left the shop, they continued 
their improvements, till some would weave their six 
hundred yards by Wednesday and Thursday night. 

This is only a specimen of the rope walk, the fac- 
tory, the hackle house, the cooper's shop, &c. Afezo 
who were strong, and accustomed to the business, 
would do a great day's work — then that is the task, 
and all must do it or be punished — and many poor 
weakly men have been often punished because they 
could not do more than they could — or as much as 
some others. Thus while some can "play" at their 
business, others arc worked far beyond their strength. 
Some facts would not be believed, and I will not tell 
ihcm. 

THE SICK, THIS SEASON. 

Many were taken down with fever and ague, and 
other complaints. As many as forty were on the sick 
list at once, and O ! what a miserable spectacle did they 
present! Many were driven to work till they could go 
no longer. Then they must go before a doctor, who 
has not so much feeling for them as for a brute — who 
will order them to their work, when they need their 
bed and careful nursing — at other times will give them 
medicine to jnnke them sick — again will refuse to look 
at, or hear a word from them, when they come before 
him, and then go and tell the ofiicers that there is 
nothing the matter with them. 

Next, the officers are impatient and fretful every 
hour the prisoners are sick, almost ready to command 
them to get well and go lo work, yet will do nothing to 
make them able. In one instance McC. gave orders 
to a sick man, '• J., you have been sick long enough. 



346 HARD TREATMENT OF THE SICK. 

I shan't put up with it ^ny longer, now go to work and 
get well!" Many, many have been driven to work 
long before they ought to go, or were able to work. 
The consequence was, they had a relapse, and were 
worse, perhaps, than before. 

Again, they are committed to the care of a fellow 
prisoner, who is almost as bad as the doctor — un- 
godly, hardened, selfish, lazy, having but little concern 
whether they live or die. 

It is not of much consequence what the disease is, 
the prescriptions are much alike — generally a heavy 
dose of calomel and jalap, or blue mass, or oil, or qui- 
nine. A number of men went to the doctor to have 
their teeth pulled, which ached severely — he ordered 
an emetic for them, and they had to take it! Other 
cases might be given just as absurd. And his dietetic 
prescriptions are general, for all alike, whether they 
can eat the food or not. For breakfast they have a 
piece of dry, hard, corn bread, and a cup of bitter rye 
coffee; for dinner, some dry mush, or potatoes, or po- 
tato soup, and dry corn bread — at times, beef broth; 
for supper, the same as for breakfast. Some extreme 
and favored cases get now and then a piece of dry 
wheat bread, or if they are dying, a little chicken 
broth! The common complaint is, '•'•I can't get any 
thing that I can eat." Generally, nothing suitable or 
nourishing is provided, and thus they are starved, till 
they are driven to work again, on their corn bread and 
fat bacon, which often brings a relapse. And, except 
in dangerous cases, they are confined to their cells, 
where the air is impure and oppressive, with no one 
to fan, cheer, or help them. 'K), this is exaggeration!" 
says one. "I speak that I do know, and testify that I 
have seen, "and felt, and yet ^' the half has not been 
told you." I cannot portray it fully. 

On the 5th of August James was taken with the 
chills, fever, and headache. He went to Dr. JNIoorc, 
who utterly refused to do any thing for him. In Ihe 



COMFORT IN, AND BENEFIT OF SICKNESS. 347 

course of a week, he was about again. On the 12th, I 
was taken with the chills. For five days, I was unable 
to get any medicine. And when it did come, I was 
obliged to get up every hour, for two nights, at the 
knock of the guard on the door, and take it alone. 
About this time, James was taken again. We had 
but little to strengthen us — little that a sick man or 
weak stomach could bear. 

On the 2Gth, Alanson was taken sick, and quit work 
for a week. 

On the 3d of September I was taken again — a shake 
every day. To get strength on the diet we had, 
seemed almost impossible. Two weeks I kept still. 
Towards the last of September, Alanson was again 
brought to his bed. During this sickness, he suc- 
ceeded in getting one small piece of light bread. 
Otherwise, the diet was as previously described. 

While thus stretched upon our beds of pain and 
languishing, we had no kind, angel hand, to soothe, 
and administer to our necessities. While one was bur- 
ning with fever, the others were obhged to be at their 
work, leaving the sufferer alone with God. 

But ''The Lord made all our bed in our sickness." 
Psalms xli; 1 — 3. lie "stayed his rough wind in the 
day of his east wind." Whatever we lacked we were 
assured that we had what was good. While food was 
denied the body, our souls had food they knew not of. 
The promises were reviving cordials. The heavenly 
letter was full of consolation, vast and free. 

By these trials wo learned how to sympathize with 
the poor — we better understand the heart of a prisoner, 
and the condition of thousands of the slaves, who in 
sickness are not treated half so well as we were. We 
are better prepared to labor for them. O! how little 
do they suffer from sickness, who are surrounded by 
kind friends, anxious to make them as comfortable as 
possible, who have all they can wish or ask for, when 
compared with a poor prisoner or a slave, who has 



318 LOVE OF PRISON LIFE. 

much to make and keep him sick, and hut little to 
make him well! '' Sick, and in prison," 
I have been thus particular, 

1. That the world may know these things, and if 
possible, that a change may be effected. 

2. That Christians may pray for them, 

3. That they may be thankful for the mercies they 
enjoy. 

4. To magnify the grace of God, who stood by and 
comforted us in all our afflictions. 

When we were sick with chills, we generally could 
read or write every other day; and in this manner I 
read much, and wrote many of the foregoing pages, 
when 1 had to bolster up in my bed. Other parts 
were written late at night, while others were asleep, 
and when I much needed to be asleep. 

REC0MMIT3IENTS. 

The majority of the prisoners came from St. Louis 
in gangs, from two to seventeen, with sentences from 
two to ninety-nine years, on charges of all kinds. Ma- 
ny are not satisfied with one trial, and come again. 
Since we have been here, four or five have served 
their time out, gene forth to stealing, and came back 
again — and some have served out their second term, 
since our's commenced. One man served two years, 
had the dropsy, just went out with his ///r, went to St. 
Louis, committed high-way robbery, and was sent 
back for ten years, having been absent about six weeks, 
lie will probably die here. Many go from here, 
almost directly to other prisons, and from thence to 
others — thus they spend their lives in the various 
prisons of the world. We have, and have had them 
here from nearly all the penitentiaries in the Union, 
East, West, North and South. And many have been 
in two, three, four, penitentiaries, and so on, before 
they came here. One man spent lzvcnli/-two years 



LOVE OF PRISON LIFE. 349 

of his life thus, before being sentenced here for six 
more. 

To many, there is no place so natural and so much 
like home as a prison. And 1 have remarked of a 
number of new comers, "That man has been in a 
Penitentiary before." Why? "He acts perfectly 
fit home, lie knows all about the ways and manners 
of convicts," 

When a new one comes, ••' he acts like a cat in a 
strange garrett," as the saving is. lie is awkward, 
and confused, and frightened, and disconsolate. 

A number are here from New South Wales. They 
escaped from there on vessels, went to New Zealand, 
and lived for nine months naked with the natives, till 
an opportunity olFered to come to this country. One, 
lived thus among the natives two years — married a 
chief's daughter, and had two children. He is a pol- 
ished rogue, very affable in his manners. Thus they go 
from one place to another. Steal they re///, for it is the 
only way they know to get a living — and thieves are 
caught — and prisons arc made for thieves. Their 
"sin tinds them out" and they find "the way of 
transgressors is hard" — here, and hereafter. Pitiable 
objects ! Yet this is a place for moulding such charac- 
ters! 

EXTRACT FROM JAMEs' LETTER SEPT. 24, 1841. 

Dear Brother: — This is the first I have written 
with my right hand, since 1 broke it — and as it is now 
so stiff that 1 cannot shut it. 1 have no hope of ever 
having the proper use of it again. 1 can do but very 
little of any,, thing with it. Looking at the ■ circum- 
stance in a worldly point of view, many would think 
it a hard matter to be a cripple all their days, but I do 
not have a murmuring thought about it — feeling that 
all that God does is right and zvcll done. He has a 
special regard for all his children, and will always do 



350 EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

what is for their best good. I feel that dying is noth- 
ing. God will do " all things well. 

James." 

quietness extract of a letter. 

"•When lie givcth quilness, who then ca7i make trou- 
ble?" There is the quietness of the calm which pre- 
sages the dreadful storm — and there is a quietness of 
the soul, produced by a sense of God's favor and pro- 
tection. It arises from a confidence in his goodness, 
power and faithfulness to all his promises. It results 
from an implicit committing of ourselves to his dis- 
posal and care. It is a ''quietness,'' which all the 
storms of earth cannot discompose, consisting of 'per- 
fect peace,'' of 'joy unspeakable, and full of glory.' 
O! blessed ^ rjuielness P 

George." 
the christian slave. 

About the middle of September, a slave was brought 
here from the city. His crime was this — a suspicion 
on the part of his master, that he zvould run away. The 
slave was a Christian, lie said to Alanson, ''If they 
sell me South, ihc Lord is there. I don't care where 
they put me, the Lord is with me from time to time. 
1 am happier here than 1 was outside. I have a house 
in heaven. 1 am bound to believe in Jesus Christ, 

&c." 

The following occurred between him and James: 
"Do you know whether your master will sell you 
South?" lie replied, '' I do not. I have lived with 
him fourteen years, and always tried to do well." 
••'Wherever they send you, Live for God." "That 
I'm determined to do. Though all forsake me, God 
is my friend. Send me where they will, they can't 
take Him away from me. lie is all the comfort 1 
have." "Can you read?" "Some." "You must 



CHRIST SOLD. 351 

try and improve all you can." ••' I will — but we have 
only one book," (among three.) " I will lend you a 
Testament next Sabbath." "■ I wish you would. I 
like to read — but above all, I like to look into the holy 
book of God — that's the best of all." '•'• I would be 
glad to help you if I could, but it is for trying to help 
just such a man as you., that I am sent here." "l know it," 
said he, "and there is a great reward laid up for you." "'It 
don't matter much, said James, if we are bound in this 
world, if we are Christians, and get to heaven, we shall 
then all be alike and happy — there is no slavery there." 
"•I know it. I am sure of that." ''I pray for you every 
day." '•'■I thank you," said he. "I too pray for you all." 

What a lesson many Christians may learn from 
this poor slave! No outward trouble or circumstan- 
ces could destroy his happiness. And mark how the 
slaves regard our sufferings. Give me their prayers 
and blessing rather than the favor of their opulent 
masters. 

On the 19th, the master came in with another man, 
and asked, •'•How much do you think you can give me 
for him?" Who that has human feelings is not shock- 
ed at such a question? His master is a professor of 
religion. See him bartering away for money a brother 
in the Lord — one of Christ's "little ones!" Yea, sell- 
ing CHRIST HIMSELF, according to his own declaration. 
How similar to Judas' question! 

What multitudes are sold and abused who are true 
Christians, by those who profess to be the same! O! 
when all these things shall be published, at the great 
day, what scenes will be exhibited! And yet this is 
the system that the mass of the Church are countenan- 
cing — in which many of her members are engaged, 
and which many of her watchmen refuse to rebuke and 
oppose ! 

Sept. 20. Sabbath morning, the slave came to our 
cell, and we had a blessed season of conversation and 
prayer together. O! that prayer! How cliildlike! 



352 THE CHRISn.VN SLAVE. 

IIow submissive, and truly evangelical ! It did us good. 

lie told his experience, which was very touching, 
and highly scriptural. It reminded us of some of Bun- 
yan's tigures — such as the burden, a view of the cross, 
and the Savior offering to help. His views of the evil 
and desert of sin were very remarkable. He was ev- 
idently taught, by the Spiiit. "Come life or death, I am 
I'ullv determined to press on said he, in the narrow way 
and never look behind, for there is nothing to look back 
after. God will be with me everywhere, and if we 
have Christ we have all. With Him and his love in 
our souls, the trials and sufferings of earth are nothing. 
If we lose Him we lose all, and nothing can comfort us. 
Thank God! I can stand up before ten thousand 
worlds, and say — •' I am born of the Spirit." I know- 
God hears prayer, and that the prayers of the righteous 
do avail much (referring to the prayers of an aged slave 
woman for his conversion.) If I get home first, I 
shall be looking for you, and I hope to strike hands- 
with you there. If you get home first, look out for 
me, for I am bound to meet you there. I shall be 
continually scratching that way." 

As he shook hands with us, he said, "God bless you 
all." Two of the converts were present. "Pray for me» 
I shall remember you. liCt us so live that when we 
get to heaven, we shall be looking for one another." 
Wc told him something of what many were doing for 
tJie slaves, wiiich animated and cheered his heart. O, 
how far,y(/r suj)crior is he to his rich master. And 
who would not choose the slave's scat in heaven? 

Should slave-holders see us outside, conversing with 
their slaves, they would be almost horrified, but they 
can send tluun here to us. 

,Srpt. 2"2. Tiic slnve left, in chains. Farewell, brother. 

lVrhai)S his master is described in Zech. xi: 5. — 
*' Whose possessors slay them, and hold themselves 
not guilty; and they that sell them say, 'Blessed be 
the Lord, (very pious,) for I am rich.' " (Very thank- 



A BREAK CRUELTY. 353 

ful.) Oh! oh! the abominations of our "peculiar and 
domestic institutions." 

Our hearts are deeply affected by this slave's case, 
because it has come under our own observation; we 
saw the Savior in him. But the cases of thousands 
of others, much worse than this, never come to the 
light. They have no one to cheer and comfort them; 
no one to heal their wounds, and go with them to the 
mercy seat. They suffer and groan, they languish and 
pine, they are bought and sold, they bleed and die, 
alone. " Remember them in bonds, as bound with 
them." 

Oct. 1. Some kind friend sent us a quantity of sweet 
potatoes — we know not who, but it is evident some one 
thinks of us. 

3. James was directed to stay with a sick man, in 
his cell, during the day and half the night, till he re- 
covered. He waited on him about a week. 

On the same day, a master pointed me out to his 
slave, who stared as if he meant to know how an abo- 
litionist appeared. 

9. A company of prisoners, working in the back 
side of the yard, succeeded in getting a hole through 
the stone wall. That evening was the time to make 
their exit, but when the leader had advanced nearly 
through, he saw a number of guns pointed at him, and 
drew back. Their plan had been discovered, and 
preparations were made to meet them. A number 
were severely punished, while the ring-leader went 
clear. One man received two hundred strokes with 
the cow-hide, because he would not say he did any 
thing, but only knew of the plan. He was whipped 
and scarred from the ends of his toes to the crown of 
his head, and the ends of his fingers; so that when 
they brought him forth again, they could find no place 
to strike him that was not already cut! The man 
would not confess, and was almost killed. "For five 
months after that, I had running sores on my back," 



354 VILE MAN EXALTED. 

said he to me. For along time, he went nearly doub- 
le, and could scarcely move about. 

The same man was so abused and starved that he 
was driven to the extremity of cutting off tlie ears and 
tails of living hogs, boiling them in a cup with corn, 
and eating them. For this he was again punished. 
■•' How could he get these things?" Very easily. The 
yard was thronged with hogs, and with a little corn he 
could easily catch them. 

'•LIKE SEEKS LIKE." 

In the weaver shop, the meanest and worst man of 
the company was appointed foreman. In the black- 
smith-shop, the rope-walk, cooper-shop, hackle-house, 
and factory, the greatest thieves — the most false, dis- 
honest, and evil-disposed men in the prison, are fore- 
men. So did the emperors of old — each one appointed 
officers according to his own character. '• They that 
work wickedness are set up." Said one of the hands 
to me, "-Thompson, you must be more mean; then you 
will soon be foreman again." 

Oct. 17. One of the hands had a fit. While with 
him in his cell, I saw written on the wall, ^'God hath 
delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into 
the hands of the wicked." Job xvi; 11. I was glad 
to see that he acknowledged the hand of God in his 
alHiction. 

THE UNJUST LAW. 

Oct. 27. Our chaplain preached from, ''Sin is a re- 
proach to any pco|)le." lie said many good things, 
but did not tell how great a sin slavery is, nor wliat a 
reproach it is to our nation. One remark pleased us 
much. After laying down the broad ground that any 
and all sin is a reproach, he said, '"The transgression 
of an unjust law cannot constitute a man a sinner." 
We transgressed no human law, yet suppose there had 



THE UNJUST LAW. 355 

been one, as there is now, is not such a law an unjust 
law, in every sense of the word? It makes a man an 
offender who obeys the divine law, to love, do good to, 
and relieve our fellow men. It makes it a crime to 
"plead for the dumb," "-rebuke iniquity," to be "eyes 
to the blind, and feet to the lame," and ten thousand 
other things which God requires. What can be more 
unjust? Then we are not sinners. 

On the next Sabbath he preached his farewell from 
"•Righteousness exalteth a nation," — a perfect Fourth 
of July harangue. He said nothing about the debase- 
ment of our nation, in consequence of its unrighteous 
and cruel oppression. Every other sin and iniquity 
but the greatest, the chcrisher and protector of all 
others, may be rebuked, but touch not " our craft 
by which we have our" unrighteous '-wealth." 

NEW CHAPLAIN. 

Nov. 10. Our new chaplain preached to us, and as 
he was not a singer, I was called on to lead the sing- 
ing. The singers being scattered all over the room, 
and so many discordant voices uniting, the sound was 
rather distressing than pleasing. I made application 
to have all the singers sit together, which was granted, 
I chose my own singers, who took a front seat, which 
helped the matter a little. Till I left, I thus led the 
singing. 

A few days after, the chaplain came to me, and said 
"I am a stranger, and hardly know how to proceed or 
what to do. 1 want you to advise me what steps to 
take." I led him to my cell, where I gave him a his- 
tory of things, and told him what I thought was his 
duty. He is a young man, talented, but not at all 
calculated to preach to prisoners. He don't under- 
stand a prisoner's heart. However, he felt fettered, 
as he said to me one day. He knew the officers did 
not want him here, and he feels restraint almost as 
much as we do. 



356 DEATHS. 

About the middle of November, Alanson and myself 
were let out, at four or five o'clock, to make a fire in 
our shops. This was continued all winter, which gave 
us an opportunity to read considerably in the morning, 
as well as evening. 

DEATHS. 

On the morning of the 10th, P. R. died. He had 
been sick but four or five days, I knew nothing of his 
sickness till after I was locked in my cell, the night he 
died. He had been here one year. He was very fond 
of his children, talked much about, and longed to see 
them. A short time before this, his little son sent to 
him, "Pa, you are gone too long." Poor boy! What 
will he think now? How will his little heart break, 
to think he can never see Pa again. 

Soon another was called away, after being sick one 
week. He had but five months to stay, would do any 
thing to gain the favor of the officers, but neglected 
to seek God's favor, "- which is life," till death took 
away his spirit, and the doctors his body for dissection. 

Three days after, another died, trusting in his own 
morality. 

When I went out, early in the morning, I asked the 
steward, '"How are the sick?" '•'They are all dead." 
James had been sitting up with them, and a guard 
asked him how they were. '•'The Doctor says they 
might get well, if they could only have the proper at- 
tention paid to them." The guard replied, '••Ah! you 
know tliat cannot here be obtained." For the want 
of it, numbers have died. 

THE LEGISLATOR. 

Nov. 23. The man with whom I have had two con- 
versations, (previously mentioned,) called to have an 
^'abolition argument," as he said. His principal topic 
again, was about the public opinion with regard to this 



i 



LEGISLATORS. 



357 



or any other evil. "The only true and safe course, is 
to enlighten the people, and bring public sentiment 
against it." I answered, "I heartily believe this is the 
best way to do away slavery." 

But how, /tow, now, is the slaveholding public to be 
enlightened? If they believe in ''enlightening the 
pubHc," why this fear of the Hght, and making law^s 
against it? Ah! well do they know that their cause 
will not bear the light. To "■'enlighten the people," 
is just what we want. 

A {q.\v days after, he came again, with two others, to 
my loom, and we had a long talk. They asked many 
questions about the treatment, clothing, work, books, 
&c. One was strongly in favor of a Sabbat-h School, 
and Library, Newspapers, and other religious means, 
to make the prison a place of reformation. The need 
of all these things I strongly urged. Said one, ''We 
expect that ?/ou will tell the tndh about the institu- 
tion !" 

29. A number of legislators talked with Alanson, 
proposing the same old questions, "How do you feel?" 
— "Do you think it was wrong?" They would not 
sfgn a petition, because he Avould not "yield the point, 
and give up to them." They urged him to "yield, and 
not be such an enthusiast — yield for the sake of your 
family, and for your own sake." This was touching 
to the parent's tender feelings, but the grace of God 
enabled him to stand firm and unyielding. 

Aflerw^ards he asked another, "Do you think they 
will let me go home to my family?" He repUed, "I 
am afraid not. There is too much prejudice yet." 
Yes, yes, that's it — cruel, unreasonable prejudice! 

During the legislature, many of the members were 
in to see us. 

MONTHLY CONCERT. 

Though in prison, we have observed the monthly 
concert for the oppressed, and have had some cheer- 



358 CHEERING CONCERTS. 

ing seasons. At one time Alanson conversed with a 
slave, who came to him to get some work done. He 
said that many slaves were running away from St. 
Louis. Others brought in the same news. And 
from other sources we learned that many were going 
from other places. This gave new life to our little 
concerts. We rejoiced and took courage. 

As a slave was standing by Alanson, he asked, ''Do 
you know my name.'" " No." ■•' Do you know what I 
am here for?"' ^ I do not." "It is for trying to help a 
poor slave." "O! you are one of the preachers! I 
preaches sometimes. I have been in the cause five 
years."' 

Dec. 1. After preaching, the chaplain came to me 
and enquired about the class, and said he would attend 
to it, and have it started. But he little knew the op- 
position there was to encounter. '-On the side of our 
oppressors there was power."' 

FIGHTING. 

It is a rule, that if two prisoners fight or quarrel, 
they will certainly be punished. Two fought in the 
rope-walk. Thcj were led into the guard room, where 
were Judge B., Capt. B., and McC, to behold the 
sport — to witness the diabolical tragedy, which fol- 
lows. 

The prisoners were stripped of coat and shirt — 
their left hands tied together — a raw hide given to 
each — and the command, "Now take satisfridion out 
of each other!"' It was cut and slash, over the eyes, 
the head, or the back, where they thought they could 
get the most '••satisfaction,"' till one cried '"enough," 
and they were parted. 

In ancient times, they assembled to sec wikl beasts 
worry and devour each other; but in this enlightened 
age. this Christian country, this place of reformation, 
ollicial men, can feast themselves, in seeing their own 
species act the ])art of wild beasts, and witness with 



CALLED ON TO PRAY. 359 

ecstatic delight, scenes which would make an angel 
weep and put humanity to blush. Under such in- 
structors, is it any wonder that villains are multiplied? 

OUR STOVE. 

Dec. 10. Alan son obtained permission to have a 
small sheet-iron furnace in our cell, which made it 
very comfortable in the coldest weather. How great 
the blessing! How agreeable were our mornings and 
evenings! How pleasant our Sabbaths, compared 
with former and latter days! We kept it through 
that winter. The next we could get none. It fur- 
nished us facilities for reading and writing, we could 
not have enjoyed in the cold. We praised the Lord 
for his mercy. 

At that sitting of the Legislature, our friends had 
expected to be present, to mtercede for us, but were 
providentially prevented. 

Dec. 22. After sermon, I was called on to pray, 
for the first time since I was turned out of the fore- 
manship. During the remainder of my time, it was 
the chaplain's custom to call on one of us to pray. 
And toward the latter part, I had to pray, sing, and 
line his last hymns for him. Many spectators came 
in, to see and hear the abolitionists pray, and returned 
with their hearts touched. 

CHRISTMAS HOLYDAY. 

The day was given to the prisoners. Our food was 
extra — light biscuit, roast meat, coffee, sausage, and 
apples. The majority spent the day sporting and ca- 
rousing as they pleased. We almost imagined our- 
selves in some large city, when we heard the fiddle, 
flute, dancing, boxing, wrestling, laughing, hooting, 
shouting, racing, ike, «&c. Col. Price, McC, and 
the guard, were spectators, and encouraged the sport. 
The mass were all taken up with the foolishness and 



360 A PETITION FOn ALANSON, 

wickedness. But in the "hallowed cell,'' a company 
of Christians assembled, and we had a reviving prayer 
meeting. I also wrote a letter for a colored brother 
to his wife and brother, who are slaves. Increased 
cur temperance signers — talked with the visitors, &c. 
A citizen came to see us, and said, "Murderers, rob- 
bers, thieves, and all villains, can get pardoned out 
from here, before Burr and Thompson. They will 
stay their time out!'' On that day, a man from Quincy 
arrived with a petition for Alanson, which he circulated 
anion" the Legislators. 



CHAPTER IX. 

LEGISLATORS— ALANSON'S RELEASE, &c. 
SIXTH DEATH-BED SCENE. 

Early on the morning of Dec. IGth, I found W. G. 
our tirst prison brother, very sick. lie was bled — 
fainted twice, and was taken to the hospital. The 
next morning James asked him how he felt in his 
mind. He answered, '^I am so sick, I have no mind, 
I can't think." Are you willing to leave all in the 
hands of Ciod?" " Yes." Arc you willing to die now? 
"I am." We frequently watched with him during the 
night, and comforted him with the promises. I asked 
'•Do you feel anxious about your family?'' "No I do 
not, at all," Wc often called on him during the day, 
and watched the feelings of his soul. He was at all 
times, calm and submissive, desiring the will of the Lord. 

The following letter, which I wrote his wife, will 
give further particulars. 



LETTER TO THE WIDOW. 361 

Penitentiary, Jan. C, 1845. 

Sister G., 

It devolves upon me to announce to you "heavy 
tidings"' — yet not of such a nature as to produce de- 
spair, though they cause you to weep and mourn — for 
you will not mourn "• as those without hope." Endeavor 
then to be calm, while I say to you, that your beloved 
husband, W. G., has left this troublesome world of 
pain and sorrow, for his eternal rest., ''at God's right 
hand, where are pleasures forevermore.*' He has been 
sick about three weeks, during which time I frequently 
conversed and prayed with him, much to his comfort. 
A day or two ago, we thought he was getting better, 
but last night and to day he grew worse, and gradual- 
ly failed, till near sundown, when he breathed his last. 
lie wished me to write to you, and tell you his feelings 
— exhort you to train the dear children for God, and 
meet him in heaven. In view of death, he was com- 
posed. During all his sickness, M'as willing to die, 
and felt that through the cleansing blood and meritori- 
ous sacrifice of Christ, he was prepared to " depart and 
be with Him." 

To day, I asked, " Do you feel that Jesus is your 
Friend?" " Yes." " Will he be with you in the hour 
of death?" "Yes." I then repeated to him the 
promises and prayed with him. A few minutes before 
he died, I asked, '•'• Is the Savior near to you?" " Yes." 
"Are you afraid to die?" "No." "Can you commit 
your wife and children to the Lord?" "Yes." This 
was the last word he spoke. There can be no doubt 
of his happy state. For more than three years here, 
his walk has been unblamable — so that the most wick- 
ed were compelled to say, "I believe he is a genuine 
Christian." Perhaps 1 knew as much of his heart, as 
any man, having had sweet fellowship with him for 
three years, and I can assure you that his spirit, dispo- 
sitions, principles, aims, desires, hopes, were those of 
a true, humble, devoted child of God. He was ever 



362 



HAPPY BROTHER. 



fond of his Bible, and ready for every good word and 
work." I mention these things for your consolation, 
and the comfort of his friends," 

G. T. 

The letter went on to comfort her, but I cannot copy. 
A poem, which I composed on the subject of his death, 
closes: 

Thus are his toilings, griefs and sufferings o'er; 
And now, on Canaan's happy, peaceful shore, 
He'll see the wisdom, goodness, love of God, 
In all the pains and smartings of the rod; 
And for them all, will praise, adore and love, 
With all the blissful company above. 

O ! happy brother ! what a glorious change i 
Here, sutieriug prisoner — now, with Jesus reigns! 
Here, cast out, scorned, disfigured, trodden down — 
Now, honored by Immanuel with a crown! 
From earthly prisons, and from cruel foes, 
To heavenly mansions, and to God he goes. 

By the man who came from Quincy, we received a 
bundle of letters, dried fruit and clothes. We an- 
swered the letters, and wrote a number of others, to 
send back by him, but they never were sent. Proba- 
bly they fell into the hands of Col. Price. Two very 
valuable hands broke out of their cell, went over the 
wall, and escaped; and it is (piite likely, they were go- 
ing over the wall, while the letters were increasing the 
llames. '• The liOrd saw it." 

Jan. 1, 1845. '^ I enter upon a new year, '-not 
knowing the things that shall bcfal me here, save that 
the Holy Ghost witnesseth, that bonds and alllictions 
abide me." "• But none of these things move me." — 
Let come what will, if God come with it, it shall be 
welcome. With Ilim, I have r///, without IIim,no//«no-." 

The last three Sabbaths Alanson spent with us, he 
went round to all the cells distributing tracts — "no 



TALK WITH LEGISLATORS. 363 

man forbidding;" he talked with the prisoners, and 
found a general desire to read any thing he would give 
them. 

Jan. 15. Judge McBridc, and other legislators, 
came in to see Alanson, The Judge said, " Some 
friends are making an effort to get you out, and I have 
come to enquire about your feelings. The Governor 
says he will do nothing, without a pledge, through us, 
that you will do so no more." Alanson said, '^Thc 
act was imprudent, done without sufficient considera- 
tion, and I feel it would be wrong, if at liberty, to do 
so again.* I will not do so myself, nor will I encour- 
age others to do the like." "Your wife pledged her- 
self to use her entreaties to get you to go back to Con- 
necticut — if you will do so, you will be out of the vcay^ 
where you canH interfere with our rights." "As for 
going back I do not know about it — I don't know as 
it will be so that I can^ — though the entreaties of my 
wife will have considerable influence. I don't know 
as I have any property." "• I believe you have not — 
your wife is living on charity." Alanson did not 
promise to go back to the East. 

18. ToCapt. Carson and other members, I said — 
"Can't you do something for me, this winter, to get 
me out of this place?" "• I don't know, Thompson, it 
is doubtful. There has been much talk about you 
among the members, and they generally think that the 
rigor of the law should have its course on' you a while 
longer. It is generally considered that you are the 
ring-leader and instigator in this affair, because you 
are the most forward and intelligent." " It is a mis- 
take. In the the three indictments,! was only brought 
in as accessory. Have you heard any thing against 
my character or conduct, since I came here?" " Not 



* We have never felt nor said that we did wrong— and the only 
light in which we consider it wrong to do so again is in view of the 
danger, of which we before knew nothing. To take the same step 
again, would be presumption. 



364 



A LEGISLATOR ENRAGED. 



a whisper.'^ Another — "Did you belong to those al>- 
oUtionists in IlHnois?" '•'■ I was a citizen there, and a 
member of Mission Institute." He was very iiery — 
spoke of the "under ground railroads" and the work of 
the abolitionists — was willing at once to go and fight 
them, and tear Illinois all to pieces. Another — "■ It is 
a pity, a pity, you got into this scrape — have your sen- 
timents changed?" "No sir." Capt. Carson — "Well, 
I will have further conversation with the members about 
it." 

ALANSON PARDONED. 

Jan. i20, Alanson left us. He has been a prisoner 
three years, six months, and seven days. We rejoic- 
ed to see him go. It was a general time of rejoicing 
among the prisoners, to see " old man ^V^ork" go out. 

He carried out with him, in his open hand, upwards 
of two hundred pages of this work, besides all my jour- 
nal up to that time. Such was the "good hand of our 
God upon us," the officers did not even look to see 
what he had; otherwise, we all should have found 
trouble a plenty. 

My poem on " The Departure of Alanson" closes as 
follows — 

1 O, happy Alanson ! released from his chains, 

And compassed with spirits akin to his own: 
His tongue will break forth in unknown, joyful strains. 
And tell, with exulting, what Jesus has done. 

2 The songsters of nature his bosom will cheer. 

And earth's blooming prospects enrapture his sight; 
The sound of "the Church-going bell" he can hear, 
And view happy throngs, with enlivening delight. 

3 Go, go, happy brother, to freedom, agarn. 

The great boon of heaven improve and enjoy. 
A little while longer, your partners remain, 
To labor, and sulVer — and " count it all joy." 



WEAK MINDS. 365 

4 Farewell, now, dear brother, farewell, a few days. 
Though parted in body, we 're still joined as one, 
For all these afflictions, our Father we'll praise. 
And adore him forever, around the while throne. 

The man who came from Quincy with the petition 
was here about four weeks, and his conduct was any- 
thing but that of a gentleman. He represented Alan- 
son to the Legislators as a " poor, weak-minded man;" 
said "he was over-persuaded and duped into it by the 
others who were more crafty and deserved their pun- 
ishment." '•'Weak-minded!" Would that he had a 
quarter of the mind that Alanson has. And when he 
came, a year after, he told the same story about James 
— representing him as having no mind, and myself as 
the '' crafty" one — telling things directly contrary to 
what he said a year previous. These things I had 
from an ungodly legislator, who heard both stories, 
and who despised his wicked conduct. He also lav- 
ishly spent hundreds of hard earned dollars, where 
there was no need. 

THE ARTICLE OF PARDON ALIAS, BANISHMENT. 

'^THE STATE OF MISSOURI, 

To all who shall see these presents : greeting. 

Know ye, that by virtue of authority in mc vested 
by law, and for good and suilicicnt reasons appearing. 
I, JOHN C. EDWARDS, Governor of the State of 
Missouri, do hereby pardon Alanson Work, who was, 

on the day of October, in the year of our Lord 

one thousand eight hundred and forty one, by judge- 
ment of the circuit court of Marion County, commit- 
ted to the Penitentiary of said State, for the space of 
twelve years, for the crime of stealing negro slaves, in 
this state. And I do hereby restore and entitle the 
said Alanson Work to all the rights, privileges and im- 
munities, which, by law, attach to, and result from, the 



36G BANISHMENT OF ALANSON. 

operation of these presents — 07i the express condition, f 
however, that said Work returns to the State of Con- 
necticut, his former residence, with his wife and chil- 
dren, and settles himself there. In testimony whereof, 
I have hereunto set my hand, and caused to he affixed 
the great seal of the State of Missouri. Done at the 
city of JclTcrson, this, twentieth day of January, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eiijht hundred and 
forty five, of the independence of the United States 
the sixty-ninth, and of this State the twentv-fifth. 

By the Governor, JOIINC. EDWARDS. 
JAMES L. MINER, Secretary of State/' 

This is like giving the slaves the privileges of the 
freemen of the United States if they will go to Afri- 
ca! And who ever heard before of a Governor having 
power to banish a person from States other than his 
own? Well, it is just like slavery. 

A LETTER FROM ALANSON. 

**• When the pardon w^as handed to me the condition? 
were not pointed out or mentioned, and I came out of 
the prison without knowing that the condition was in 
it. Capt. Swartout was present when the pardon was 
given to me and we came out together. After we had 
started, he told me he had ])ut the name of Joim Smith 
on the way-bill, instead of Alanson Work. Aberna- 
thy, the State's Attorney* rode thirty miles in the 
stage w^ith us. He did not know me. Where we 
stopped for dinner, he began — ''Ilave you been to Jef- 
ferson city?'- ''I have." ''Were you acquainted 
with Thompson, Burr and Work?" "Yes, I had some 
ac(|uaintancc with them." '' Did you go into the pen- 
itentiary to see them?"' '-Yes,! went in there." He 
then said, '-lam sorry for them. They have staid 

*Our Prosecuting Attorney. 



THE LYING MISSOURIAN. 367 

there long enough. They ought to be turned out." 
He told Svvartout he wanted to make some acknowl- 
edgements to me, but assured him he did no more on 
our trial than the law compelled him to do.* 

Some months after Alanson left, a citizen, by the 
name of Chase, came in and said to James, '•'•I have 
had a letter from Work, at Poughkeepsie. He said, 
^- if you ever get out, you must never think of a?w^o-er 
again, for I am thoroughly convinced, that the course 
wc pursued, was wrong, unconstitutional, and against 
God, and man.*" I think Burr, will get out before 
long, but Thompson is so head-strong, I believe he 
will have to stay his whole time out, unless he talks 
differently from what he said to me. I would not sign 
a petition for him." 

Work never said any such thing,! but this man 
tried his ingenuity to deceive, frighten, and get me to 
renounce my principles. 

At one time, he came in, and began, '■'■ Well. 
Thompson, they have played the mischief with the 
abolitionists in Cincinnati. They have tarred and 
feathered Birney," »fcc. 1 made some plain remarks, 
and he replied, '"If that is the way you talk, you will 
stay every day of your time." Again, he said, ^^They 
have driven the abolitionists from Quincy — whipped 

•It is false. He did do more, 

tSince writing the above, 1 have received a letter from Aianson. He 
says, "I have written but one letter to Mr. C, and that one was writ- 
ten from Mission Institute, soon after my return to ray family. That 
I should write what Mr. C. says I did, is too Inconsistent to be believ- 
ed by any body who knows as you do, that we should have been re- 
leased two or three years sooner, if we had only bowed to them enough 
to say we had done wrong. 

Now, if I would not say that, when, by so doing, the prison doors 
would have been opened to me, think you I would, when I had clean 
escaped the lion's den, and was restored to my family? That I would, 
when many hundred miles from the power of slaveholders, voluntarily 
make the concession they required! No, dear brother, you will not 
believe it. No, I did act write to Mr. C. from P- at all, much lese 
«ay wliat he says I did. Alanson Woke . 



368 PRICE FOR LIBERTY. 

some, mobbed others, and they have all left, or will 
leave soon — and if you were there, they would hang 
you right up." 

And again, he came to me, "-Thompson, will you 
sign a paper, forever renouncing Abolitionism, and all 
connection with it — never to advocate it in any way, 
but assist in putting it down? On these conditions, 
you can now be got out!" 

I have no comments — but will only remark, he was 
known as a man who regarded not the truths who had 
an inveterate hatred against Abolitionists, and yet 
professed to be onr friend! 

A MAN MURDERED, 

Jan. 24. A prisoner died — insensible to the last. 
For a week or more, he had been crazy, having fits, 
and in great pains most of the time — yet the doctor 
said, '•'■nothing u-as the matter n-ilh himP'' lie begged for 
medicine, but could not get it! At night, he was lock- 
ed in his cell with his sickly cell-mate, without any 
Ji;ht, where he frequently had tits! I hesitate not to say, 
he was murdered! 

On the same day, Capt. Gordcn came to be our ov^cr- 
scer, to whom the principal management of the prison- 
ers was committed. 

A FUNERAL SERMON. 

Jan, 2G. The chaplain preached the funeral sermon 
ofW. G., mentioned in the last "death-bed scene." It 
was the first and the last thing of the kind, known in 
the prison, while I was there. 

Jan. 29 Another man died about the middle of the 
afternoon, and was buried that evening, 1 knew not of 
his sickness, (ill I heard of his death. 

THE COLPORTEUR. 

Feb. A. A dear brother called to get some work 
done — enquired us out, and left some American Mes- 



A FRIEND. 369 

sengers — a Christian Almanac, and some precious 
tracts, whicii were a rich feast to our souls. On the 
22d of Dec, he called again, conversed, and left 
tracts, almanac, &c. On the 26th, he came in with a 
basket of books and tracts, distributed around to the 
prisoners, and gave me what books and tracts I de- 
sired — also a bundle of American Messengers. The 
Lord bless and reward the brother for seeking out 
those who arc '•'•sick, and in prison" — for administer- 
ing to the wants of the suffering, and despised. We 
followed him with our prayers. 

THE GREAT CROSS. 

A slave came to me and said, ''Do you pray yet?"' 
*''\es, I shall do that, as long as I live." He repUed, 
'' When you are praying for all others in the world, 
remember poor me. 1 want you to pray that the 
Lord will ti\\<.c me under Ilis feet, and keep me 
there till the storm is over. Your brother has a great 
cross to bear, and it is just as much as he can do to 
wag under it." Truly the poor slaves have ^^a great 
cross" to bear, and all their toils, and sufferings, and 
reproaches, are '^just as much as they can wag un- 
der." Lord, hide them beneath thy wings, till the 
"■storm is over." Reader, will you help the slave 
bear his '•'' great cross?" 

Feb. 21. I was at my request, placed in the wag- 
on-shop, where I remained till my release — thankful 
lor the opportunity of adding to my knowledge, pre- 
paratory to the work of a missionary. 

THE TEMPERANCE LECTURER. 

Feb. 27. A man came in to collect fVicts respecting 

intemperance. He went round to each one with many 

enquiries. He asked me the cause of my confinement. 

I replied, " My benevolence brought me here." " Ab- 

23 



370 



DESIRE FOR LIBERTY. 



olitionism?" " Yes sir." James said, " My kindness 
to all men, brought me here." The man replied, '^It 
was unfortunate for you. Some of the Abolitionists 
carry their points a little too far. There are Aboli- 
tionists here, (in Missouri,) but they don't go so far," 
&c. 

PRAYER WITH THE PRISONERS. 

March 2. The chaplain did not come. I was per- 
mitted to sing and pray with all the prisoners, who 
had assembled for preaching. The same privilege, I 
frequently enjoyed after that time, when the chaplain 
failed to come. Sometimes Capt. G., and sometimes, 
a guard requested me thus to sing and pray with 
them. After preaching cither James, or myself, were 
generally called on, by the chaplain, to pray. 

March 13. I worked on the ware house, at the 
river, where I narrowly escaped, with my life. The 
scaffold, under which I was at work fell, and struck 
me on the head. It was very providential that I was 
not killed. 

DID HE '"LOVE LIBERTY?" 

J. A. was a slave in Virginia. He resolved to buy 
himself. For two years he saved what he could by 
odd jobs, and working Sundays, saving a little here 
and there, as he could get a few cents for the object. 
His master moved to Missouri. Here he bought his 
time for twelve dollars a month — excepting that during 
two summers he paid one dollar a day. All he could 
earn over was his own. He worked eifrht ycars^ and 
gave $650, for himself. To this add what he paid for 
liis time — about $1*250,00 beside the two years, yea, 
and all his former life in Virginia, and what a price! 
Ten years he toiled for what he didn't love, did he? 
"Can't take care of themselves!" Try it. Let a 
])oor, ignorant pale face beat it. In addition he earned 
nearly enough to buy his wife, lie has here been 



SABBATH BREAKING. 371 

converted, and is a lovely Christian. I have written to 
his wife, and have read a number of letters from her, 
8he thinks she would be '' better satisfied" to belong 
to her husband than to another man. Who would 
not? She talks like a good Christian. I had intended 
to insert some of her letters, which I have, but mj 
space will not permit. 

SABBATH WORKING. 

From the time that McC. came as overseer, the 
Sabbath began again to be desecrated, and its pro- 
fanations increased till he left. By officers and pris- 
oners it was contemned and trodden down. Capt. G. 
came with great pretensions to reformation. He told 
one and another, that it was wrong to work on the 
Sabbath, and pretended to disallow it saying, ''We 
want no men to work on the Sabbath, but to read 
their Bibles and Testaments. If you had read your 
Bibles more, probably you would not have been here." 
Read the Bible! — and one half of the prisoners had 
no Bible, no Testament, or any other good book. 
'"' Want no men to work on the Sabbath!" — and the 
very man to whom he spoke these words, a short time 
after was compelled to work all the Sabbath day, time 
and again! Forthe Instyearthemostprominentrecord 
in my journal, is their awful Sabbath breaking. It 
has been amazing. I began to keep an account of 
the names of those who worked on Sunday, what 
they did, and by whom ordered out, and continued it 
for a few months; but it was too tedious to record all 
their abominations, and too shocking for the mind to 
dwell upon. It was one continued scene of noise, 
pounding, hallooing, bedlam, and confusion, as soon as 
the Sabbath returned! 

The blacksmith's hammer was heard nearly every 
Sabbath. In the carpenter's shop work was common 
on the Lord's Day. The Sabbath was the day that 
the .s:\iards, Mrs. Brown, and others, took, to hire, for 



372 SABBATH BREAKING. 

a trifle, the prisoners to work for them. In the brick 
yard, in the hemp, in hog killing, many were hired, 
and others compeli(;d to work on the Sabbath. If any 
of the machinery broke or was out of order, it was 
repaired on the Sabbath. And many times when 
they have thus stolen Gorfs time., to save the time of a 
few hands, has lie visited them with heavy judgments; 
yet they would not regard it. Often, when we have 
been thus annoyed by the wickedness around us, has 
our prayer been, '•'•The Lord require it," and his hand 
has fallen heavily upon them. We complained to the 
inspectors. They said, " It is a breach of their con- 
tract, and by so doing they forfeit their claim to the 
place." But nothing was done — Sabbath desecration 
continued. 

O! how often have our souls longed for some quiet 
retreat, some grove or desert, the closet and the sanc- 
tuary, the stillness of a country Sabbath, and the com- 
munion of Saints. But Jesus stood by, and comforted 
us, taught us to prize these blessings, and to sympa- 
thize with those who are deprived of them. 

Jlpril 4. For some weeks a protracted meeting in 
town had been in operation, and all classes were num- 
bered among the converts — to what, I shall not attempt 
to say. 

JAMES AND A SLAVE. 

James asked, "What are they doing in town f The 
slave replied, '"Some are trying (o pray." "Arc you 
helping them?" "I have to pray for myself." "-Do 
you not pray for those who will not pray for them- 
selves?" "•! pray for them., any how." "llow many 
times aday do you pray ?" '-I have not counted. How 
many times do you pray?" "As often as I can get 
the opportunity." " Well, then, you muni prai/ nil the 
lime.'''' 

Another prisoner, "What does that mean? — 'Pray 
without ceasing.' " James replied, ''Always be in a 



I 



A sla\'e's theology. 373 

praying mood." '^ That ain't the place where it says, 
''Pray in season and out of season' — that means to 
pray when you feel like it and when you don't feel like 
it — when you have the Spirit, and when you don't 
have the Spirit." 

At another time, the slave said, '■'^ Seventy-five have 
Joined the church. God knows whether they are 
Christians, and they may know whether they have 
the Spirit, and are born of God." Shame on many 
gospel enlightened professors, who sneer at the idea 
of assurance in the Christian life. Let this poor, de- 
spised slave, teach them purer theology. 



CHAPTER X. 

VARIOUS INCIDENTS. 
THE CHAPLAIN DRIVEN AWAY. 

April 6. Our chaplain had been so much engaged in 
the meeting in town, that he did not come for a number 
of weeks — and then, as soon as he had made the last 
prayer, Capt. Gorden drove him away, without suffer- 
ing him to pronounce the benediction — to prevent his 
speaking to any of the piisoners, as had been his cus- 
tom, after preaching? 1 exhorted the chaplain not to 
sui)mit to it, and he afterwards pronounced the bene- 
diction,* but Avas obliged by Capt. G., to leave before 
the prisoners were dismissed — so that we had no op- 
portunity to speak to him, except as he, sometimes, 
came in on business, and, very rarely at such times — 
for Capt. G. would cling to him, till he saw him again 

* He was once driven away before the benediction, after Capt. G's. 
conversion. 



374 



LAW DISREGARDED. 



out of the gate. At one time James and myself were I 
talking with him a few moments — Capt. G. saw us, 
came, and drove James away, and led the chaplain to 
the gate! Why this? They were afraid we w^ould 
expose their awful abominations, and used all their ef- 
forts to prevent our communicating with citizens — 
but they could not — we did^ and I now must bring out 
their wickedness to the world. The Icnv grants to the 
chaplain, the privilege of talking with prisoners as 
much as he desn-cs, but what is law, to Capt. G. ? He 
has ruled over men, so long, he can tread it down, 
with impunity — and such are the men placed over out- 
laws^ to teach them obedience to law! Every desire 
or effort to reform was crushed by Capt. G., but not- 
withstanding all his contempt and opposition, the Lord 
gave us souls. 

THE CONVERTED SAILOR. 

T. F. was from his youth a seaman, and spent ma- 
ny years, on board an English " man of war." He 
had visited nearly all parts of the world, and told us 
many things of different nations. The last few years 
had been spent on the '• Western waters," where he 
'• drank freely," became intoxicated, and killed the 
Mate of the Boat. He was tried in St. Louis, and 
sent here for ten years — staid about seven. He was 
very profane, and ignorant of Bil)lc truth. I convers- 
ed with him, and lent him many of our books — his 
eyes were opened, and the I-ord blessed the truth. 
He ceased swearing, and reproved the sin in others. 
He commenced praying, and talked with his fellows 
about the unreasonableness of revenge — the folly of a 
dishonest life, and the importance of religion. 

Said he, '^ I pray every day, night and morning. 1 
sit up and read sermons till the others are in bed, and 
asleep, then I blow out the light, (which he had secret- 
ly,) kneel down and pray, — confess my sins to God, 
and ask Him to shoio me my sins, that I may repent, 



THE CONVERTED SAILOR. 375 

and put them away — not from fear of punishment, but 
because they are offensive to God." I had frequent 
conversations with him, and we prayed together. He 
was very fond of the truth, and drank it in hke water. 
The Missionary Herald lie read with great eagerness 
and would sit up till midnight to read one through. It 
was reviving to our souls to see him groio, and strengthen 
and shine. The evidence of his conversion was cheer- 
ing. Soon after the change, he was pardoned out; 
we prayed together in his cell, then with James, and 
another brother in our's, and bade him farewell. 

SICKNESS TREATMENT. 

April 7. I was taken with the ague; and shortly af- 
ter, James, also. We had it at different periods, for 
more then three months — sometimes one, and then 
both at a time. A rehearsal of all the particulars of 
the sick, during this summer, would not only defile my 
pages, but be a disgraceful and indelible blot on hu- 
manity. At times, James and I had a little light 
bread, «fcc.; and then again, for days we have lain up- 
on our bed, too weak and faint to walk or sit — with- 
out having a mouthful brousiht us to eat. When able 
to walk about, wc, sometimes, by hard begging, ob- 
tained a few potatoes, or some small article of nourish- 
ment; but when the system was once run down, it was 
with much difficulty, that strength could be regained. 
When able to sit up, our time was spent in reading or 
writing, which added much to our comfort. During 
this summer, about sixty of the prisoners were sick at 
one time with ague and scurvy, and their treatment 
was inhuman. Men, with limbs swollen, stiff and 
blotched with scurvy, were driven to work till they 
could not longer walk — others were neglected, till 
their teeth seemed ready to drop out of their mouths, 
and their flesh became almost putrid. The sight was 
awful! If they went to Judge B., with their complaints 



376 INHUMANITY TO THE SICK. 

thej were turned off with " O you live so liigh, you 
are all getting the goiit^'' or some other contemptuous 
remaric. One, who was almost starved asked him for 
something to eat. He replied, " I have given the 
Steward some flour, and you will probably get some 
of that; if that won't do, you may go sick! " The man 
got one small biscuit! many got none. The doctor 
gave strict orders, that no sick man should have a 
mouthful to eat, but one-third of a pint of coffee three 
times a day, and that I could not drink. One who 
had the ague, said "• I have had seven shakes, and 
have not had any medicine. Another, who had been 
for months in the Hospital, and beheld the treatment, 
said, '^ If the Almighty has any thing to do with hu- 
man events, 1 should expect He would trouble Judge 
B.,* for the manner in which he has treated the sick 
here. Some who have been sick, and expected to die 
every hour, could not get a little nourishment, when 
a picayune's t worth would have saved their lives!"" 

Doubtless this is true, in a number of instances. On 
one occasion, the Doctor said, "I do not care much if 
they (the sick) do starve to death." He probably spoke 
the truth — for his actions corresponded.- 

Said the Steward, "I am not allowed to give the sick, 
any thing to eat;" and yet the officers arc mad and com- 
plaining, because we do not get strong and go to 
work! As 1 sj)oke to Judge B., he said " O you can 
shake any time — I sup])Ose you intend to have anoth- 
er shake to day!" One who was dying said to me, 
'■'' They have treated me outrageously and inhumanly." 
Every word is true. One man complained to Capt. 
G., that he was sick, and could not weave — he took 
him into the guard room, gave him twenty lashes, and 
made him work. Such is tlie medicine some get. — 
These are a few specimens — I might (ill a volume 



* His little boy, a favorite, sickened and died very suddenly. 
t G| cents. 



FRUITS OF slaveholders' RELIGION. 377 

with accounts of these ahominations, but the Judg- 
ment will reveal them. 

SLAVEHOLDERS CONVERTED. 

April 19. The chaplain came to my cell and talked 
some time — gave me an account of the revival in town 
— said thatCapt. Gordcn was one of the converts, and 
would shout as loud as any one! About ninety were 
converted, embracing the oldest and most influential 
men in the place — our Doclor( !) and some desperate 
tyrants among the number. The news filled us with 
joy, but we watched for the .fruits of a slaveholder's 
revival. For a time Capt. G. did seem a little differ- 
ent, but he soon became as bad, and worse than before 
— exhibiting more of his contrariness, cruelty and op- 
position to all good, than when he was Warden! 

The Doctor, if anything, was more hard-hearted 
than ever! And slaveholders continued to crush their 
bleeding victims! Before Capt. G. was converted^ he 
manifested respect for us, but it was after his preten- 
sions to religion, that he treated us with contempt, and 
seemed to delight in vexing and crossing us, all he 
could. 

And it was after the conversion of some of the "in- 
fluential" men, that they could come and labor to have 
me renounce my sentiments! 

Maj/ 12. A. G. B, died — a young boy, sent here, for 
life, for killing his father — had been here two and a 
half years — belonged to my ■■' class," before it was 
broken up, and was very exemplary in his conduct. 

SEVENTH DEATH-BED SCENE. 

J. H. M. had long been sickly, and unable to work. 
He was greatly abused, and so starved, because he 
could not work, that he was reduced to a skeleton, and 
became unable to move about. Upon his sick and 



378 DEATHS. ' 

death bed, I conversed with him — gave him dried ap- 
ples, and tried to do him good, '■' Can jou forgive them 
for their ill treatment of you?" said I. '^I have no hard 
feelings towards any one, for any thing done to me. 
Once I used to take it to heart, but now I do not care 
any thing about it." ''Do you think you shall live?" 
**■ I can't, without a great change. I do not dread the 
sting of death at all." "• The best of us have no merits 
of heaven. All have sinned and need the merits and 
mercy of Christ, before they can enter there." ''Yes, 
George, I have been sensible of that, for two or three 
days." I gave him such counsel as he needed, when 
the bell rang, and I had to leave. Tciking him by the 
hand, I said, '•Farewell, perhaps we shall next meet 
in eternity." He replied, ''Farewell, George. I hope 
to meet you in a better world." He soon died. 

April 30. J. J., who had long been sick, died. His 
whole mind was taken up with thoughts of liberty, 
and plans for the future. Thoughts of death, and 
judgment, he put far away, even while the monster 
stood before the door. He had but eight days of his 
time to stay when it was suddenly cut short, and he was 
called to exchange this, for the prison of eternal gloom! 

THE UNIVERSALISt's DEATH BED. 

L. was from Connecticut — an intelligent man and a 
strong Universalist. He died with consumption. I 
frequently conversed with him. At one time he said, 
"God is just, and justice is all I want. In his hands I 
am safe." We were called to sit up with him. Just 
before his death, I asked, "Do you feel willing to die?" 
"If I could, I would rather see my family again — but 
if I must die, why I must. I have no control over 
such matters." "Do you feci prepared to die." He 
looked up with an expression of wonder, that I should 
ask such a question, and with a sneer, said, " Why I 
can't do any thing to prepare for death. You know 
what my sentiments are." As he was willing to stand 



UNIVERSALISTS DELUDED. S'J'D 

or fall, on the ground of justice, God took him at his 
word — but on such terms can no flesh be justified. 
Poor man! How little did he understand of the guilt 
of sin, and the purity and extent of God's law! And 
here is the delusion of Universalism. Sin is supposed 
to be but a little thing, and God's law of but little 
account — similar to the laws of mortals! 

bibles! bibles! 

For more than two years we plead with ministers, 
inspectors, and legislators, to have the place supplied 
with Bibles. In May, the chaplain was deputed to 
purchase a quantity in St. Louis, and on the 3d of June 
a box of one hundred and fifty was brought in, and dis- 
tributed to all who wished for one. They were rcr 
ceivcd with great eagerness, by those who had been 
so long without any book. To us it was a joyful sight, 
and our sinking ho{)es were a little revived. We 
blessed the Lord for this new token of his love. 

June 8. Two strangers preached and exhorted — 
a large company of spectators in. While I prayed, 
one of the ministers wept aloud. To hear a despised 
convict pray, was a new thing to him and to many 
others, who came in on the Sabbath, apparently on 
purpose to see and hear us pray. 

10. While we were at breakfast, two men were 
found attempting to scale the wall by means of a 
rope. They were severely punished. Numbers have 
dug through the wall, out of their cells, at night, but 
before they could get over the wall, have been observed 
by the guard and suffered the consequences. 

15. The chaplain formed a Bible class, which took 
the place of preaching for some months. It was then 
given up, but few engaging in it. 

TEMPERANCE PLEDGE. 

While sitting up with James, one night, in the hos- 
pital, 1 drew up a temperance pledge, describing the 



380 TOBACCO TESTIMONY. 

effects of intoxicating drinks, and promising to '•^oucXi 
not, taste not, handle not." As we liad opportunity. 
■\ve obtained signatures, to the number of seventy-six 
— of whom thirty-four confessed that liquor was the 
cause of their trouble. An opportunity to circulate 
the pledge would have added many names. The ob- 
ject was to secure them against future temptation. Of 
their drinking in the prison their was not much dan- 
ger. One man, who ran away, and was brought back 
after about two years, said to me, "Had I not signed 
the pledge, here, I should have been drunk fifty times, 
but I thought how I had promised befoi-e God and the 
holy angels, not to touch it, and I stuck to it and 
drank none." 

I also drew up an anti-tobacco pledge, but it did 
not thrive much — yet it saved some from the vortex of 
pollution. In the pledge, I spoke of looking to Jesus, 
to subdue the desire for it. One said, '•'I never knew 
before that I was such a slave to it. I have often 
tried to quit, but never till now sought the help of 
Jesus, and it is no wonder that I failed. I feel as- 
sured that he will give mc the victory." In one week 
the desire was all gone. 

In two months he gave me the following. '■'For 
two years I used snuff. My nose became a trumpet 
and I quit it. I then began to smoke. I thought it 
made me look big, and was soon a slave. To appease 
the craving desire. I took to chewing. I knew it was 
injurious, but persisted in the use of it for eight years. 
By the grace of God, I was cnai)lod lately to aban- 
don it, and can now be a judge of its banciful effects. 
In two months since I quit, I liave increased in weight 
twelve pounds, and in strength twenty per cexit. I 
am not now molested with heart burn as formerly, nor 
troubled with drowsiness and unaccountable dullness 
of spirits. My nerves are not continually fluttering 
as formerly, my stomach is now always in good order, 
my mind clear and vigorous. In short I am now belt- 



A PRAYER MEETING. 381 

ter and happier than I ever was, with my longest 
pjpe, or my best "honey dew." 

June 28. Said a man to day, " If I had my cell 
full of gold, I would give it for liberty again!" Ah! 
what has the ungodly man here to comfort him? 
They ''are like the troubled sea." 

July 4. The afternoon was given to us as a holi- 
day. While the most of the prisoners were carousing, 
wrestling, boxing, and racing, we collected the Chris- 
tians in our cell, and had a precious prayer meeting. 
All prayed and expressed their determination to cleave 
to God. It was a very sweet, refreshing season. The 
Lord blessed us abundantly. 

CAPT. gorden's humanity! 

The wife of a prisoner came nearly twenty-one 
hundred miles, with two children, to see her husband. 
Capt. G. said to him, "-What do you want to see your 
wife for? You can have ten minutes^ by the watch, to 
talk with her. You must not say one word about what 
brought you here, or about getting out." He sent a 
guard with a watch to hear the conversation. For 
more than three years they had not seen each other, 
and at first meeting were so overcome, that they could 
say but little in ten minutes. She went to the Gov- 
ernor, who sent her back, with orders to let them talk 
together, as much as they desired, and they did so. 

At another time a wife came to see her husband, 
and Capt. G. said to him, " Your wife has come to see 
you, — she is foolish for so doing, and you can have^re 
minutes^ to talk with her." 

Why such inhumanity! These two men had been 
faithful, and worked hard. I assign but one reason. 
Capt. G. is a slaveholder, and by familiarity with 
scenes and acts of cruelty, his heart has become steel- 
ed, and unfeeling — a natural tendency of slavery. 

Judge Brown, in general, was more humane, in this 
respect. He would let friends who came a long dis- 



382 TRUSTING IN GOD IN AFFLICTION. 

tance to see a father, husband, son, or brother in pris- 
on, see and converse with thcin. 

EXTRACT OF A LETTER. 

July 15, 1845. 
^'DearBro. E., 

1 have scarcely seen the day since early in 
the Spring that 1 could say, " I am well," (in body.) 
And now 1 have to lie upon my bed to write. How- 
ever, I feel happy in committing myself to God; cry- 
ing at all times, '■'' Father, glorify Thy name." Those 
who are surrounded by health, wealth, liberty, friends 
honors, iStc, can know but little of what they realize, 
who are poor, forsaken, insulted, in prison, sick, lan- 
guid, faint, and surrounded by all that is vile and odi- 
ous. The former tind no difficulty in trusting God, for 
what they already abundantly enjoy — the latter know 
and experience from day to day the blessedness of 
trusting in God, and to the world they can unhesitat- 
ingly testify to the power of Religion, to support and 
cheer, when all earthly supports fail and wither away. 
Those in adversity drink immediately from ihe foun- 
tain-head of all comfort and joy — while those in pros- 
perity, drink of the streams which are generally min- 
gled with numerous earthly ingredients. Hence, the 
benefit of affliction. O, let us not ""despise the chas- 
tening of the Lord," nor be'^ weary of his correction." 

George." 
^ abolition niggers." 

July 21. James was appointed servant-general, of 
the prison. His business was to wait on tiie officers, 
keep the guard room in order, light lamps in ihe halla 
and around the yard, &c. He served two weeks, was 
taken sick again, and another took his place. What 
little he did the rest of his time, was winding bobbins 
for the weavers. 



JAMES TALKING WITH SLAVES. 383 

While he was "• servant," three runaway slaves, 
were brought here in chains, for safe keeping. Said 
Capt. G. to James, "• These are abolition niggers." 
'"•What! were they trying to ^ abolition' themselves?" 
"■•Yes, that's it." These slaves were waited on,' by 
James, who talked and prayed with them. He asked 
one, "Well, you were running away, were you?" "O, 
no, I was only going to see my wife in Kentucky." 
Again he asked, "Can you read?" One replied, "1 
can. I had a testament with me in the woods^ but 
white man took it away from me, and I've not seen it 
since!" He then talked some time with them, and 
gave them a testament. They frequently came to 
our cell, to talk through the little door, while we "en- 
lightened their minds." Many other prisoners encour- 
aged them to try again : and they said they were de- 
termined to keep trying, till they had "Hberty or 
death." When they left, in chains, to go south, they 
were furnished, by a blacksmith, with instruments to 
cut their irons. 

The sight of the " slave trader," filled my soul with 
feelings which I cannot, in words, express. Heaven! 
in mercy stay thy judgments! 

THE UNFORTUNATE FAMILY. 

A young man came for stealing — staid till his 
brother came, and ran away. After a time two other 
brothers came — soon, the old gray headed father, 
who acknowledged he had killed men, came, and 
shortly after, the younger, a lad of fifteen, joined 
them. The old lady was in jail, and expected to 
come, but was liberated again. 

A\ig. 13. Talked with a prisoner about studying 
the Bible. He said, " I want no more to do with the 
Bible. I have read it through twenty-two times, and 
it never did me any good." He confessed it was his 
own fault. How many professing christians have 
ead it as much? 



384 iNSPECTons' third exa^iination. 

We talked with them a long time about many 
things — a little must suffice. Stringfellow said to 
James, " I have no sympathy for abolitionists. They 
are worse than thieves, robbers, or murderers; and 
doing more evil, than rdl united. Gen. Monroe — 
"• The slaves running away, is but little. Those who 
help them olF are not the men who do the mischief — 
they are only the tools of the great men. But those 
who write, and speak much, on the subject, are the 
ones who do the mischief. They even endanger the 
Union. No one wants to hold you here, but there is 
a principle concerned in it — if you are pardoned out 
it will take off the restraint which we wish to lay on 
others, and encourage them to do the same.'- 

Stringfellow — ^"^ Well, Burr, you are charged with 
helping your neighbor — would you not think it as bad 
for a man to persuade your apprentice away, as to 
steal your money?'' James — '■'•It would be wrong, 
but I do not consider the slave as property, or bound." 
*■'• Well, if we let you go, you will do so again." *•' I 
will leave the state, and not trouble you again." *■ It 
is a mighty (cvf abolitionists, that will be reformed in 
so short a time." (four years.) 

Many of the prisoners interceded with them to use 
their influence for their liberation — and upon their 
recommendation, without any petitions, six were par- 
doned at once — three of them, murderers — one, an 
old counterfeiter — one an incendiary, and the other a 
horse racer. 

'•'• NOT THIS MAN, UUT BARABBAS." 

Soon after we came here, an old man, a murderer, 
was pardoned, because of his money, by Gov. Rey- 
nolds. 

A petition came for Alanson — in answering which 
Gov. Reynolds came out strongly against the too free 
use of the pardoninir porvcr. Then sooon after, A. G. 
who had wilfully and deliberately shot a man, and wa 






"not this man, but barabbas." 385 

sent here for ten years, was pardoned, after staying 
about six months. 

Next, E. H. who wilfully shot a man, and declared 
fo me he would do the same thing again, was pardoned. 
He was first sentenced to be hung — then for twenty 
years in this place — then for ten — staid five and a 
half and left, again engaging in drinking and gambhng. 

A. H. was accessory to a wilful murder — first sen- 
tenced to be hung — then to this place for Ufe — then 
his time reduced to ten years — then pardoned at the 
expiration of five and a half years. 

D., a Dutchman, killed a man — was sent here for 
two years — staid a few months and was pardoned by 
Gov. Reynolds. 

S. II. deliberately shot a man, and declared to jffie 
he would do it again — was sent here for forty-njne 
years — staid two and a half and was released, by Gov. 
Marmaduke, 

J. G. charged wilh murdering his wife — sent here 
for ten years — staid five and was pardoned by Gov. 
Marmaduke, 

M., a woman, killed her husband with an ax — was 
sent here for five years — staid about half of it and 
was pardoned by Gov. Edwards. 

U., an old man, killed his neighbor — staid here a (ew 
weeks and was turned out. 

J. P. shot a man for calling him a liar, (and a 
greater one can scarcely walk the earth) staid about 
two years, and was set at liberty, declaring he would 
do the same thing again. 

R. stabbed and then shot a man — came here for 
seven years — staid four years and three months, and 
was released. 

T. shot his neighbor without a cause, in cool 
blood — sent here for fifteen years — staid nearly five 
and was pardoned, 

W. G. stabbed his neighbor to death — sent here for 
fifteen years — staid five, and was pardoned. 
2i 



386 POPE G. THE FUSSING GUARD* 

T. F, stabbed a man in a fit of intoxication — came 
for ten years — staid seven, and was pardoned. 

W. J. engaged in house breaking and shooting a 
woman, was sent here for ninety-four years — has the 
promise of being, and expects soon to be turned out. 
(after staying about five years,) by Gov. Edwards! 
Besides a host of thieves, gamblers, whoremongers, 
burglers, &c. who have been pardoned by the ibre- 
mentioned Governors! So partial did the Executives 
manifest themselves to murderers, that it passed into a 
proverb among the prisoners, '■'' A murderer can get 
pardoned out sooner and easier than those charged 
with any other crime, though they may be innocent!"' 
"■ If you wish to get pardoned out quick, commit mur- 
der,'' &c. Such a public sentiment does slavery foster! 

Sept. 2. Pope G. was in, with whom I talked. 
'•Do you hear any thing said about letting me go from 
this place?"' "-^ O yes, Thompson, I hear a good deal 
said about you." '•■ Any thing about letting me go 
soon?"' "Why, people outside think you do not tcish 
to get out." '•''Weill shall not fret about it either 
way, and if I could see that I was doing good to my 
fellows, I should not care for my release." '' I think 
they should let Burr go at least, as he is a cripple- 
has a broken constitution, and can't do much. I sup- 
pose he can't earn his salt now," 

Sept. 21. Capt. G. and prisoners at work, (Sab- 
bath.) We were also annoyed by pounding, bawling 
from cell to cell, and dancing. I complained to Capt. 
G. lie paid no attention to it. In the afternoon. 
James and myself were singing, when a new, ignoran- 
guard came along, looked in, his face flushed with 
anger, and said, '-Do you know you arc breaking the 
rules?" "We do not." "-Do you know you are 
breaking the rules?" "We do not know it." ^'Well 
ril help you to know it. ]"ll have no fuss or loud 
talking here. AVhal are your names?" "Burr and 
Thompson." He shut both doors in a great rage. A\'e 



ADDRESS TO GOV. EDWARDS. 387 

continued our singing, knowing what we were about, 
and had no "fuss." 

25. I asked a slave, "When are you going to be 
free?" "After I am dead." This is the poor slave's 
hope. 

Toward the last of September, James was sick 
again with ague — took much medicine. 

At that time, I composed an address to the Gov- 
ernor in poetry, which he received kindly, and showed 
to numbers who c,ame to see him. I have not room, 
or the reader should have the address. Here follows 
a short extract — 

O, may I go? Can't you my pardon grant? 
Ten thousand thousand will your kindness thank. 
Others have been released — O! why not 11 
Or must I here remain and droop and die? 
A brother and companion on my charge 
.Has been restored to liberty at large, 
For which a thousand thanks to heaven ascend, 
And shall in blessings on your head descend; 
And thousands more, with prayers for you shall rise, 
As sweet and grateful incense to the skies, 
If a poor captive's prayer shall reach your heart, 
And draw the word from you, "In peace depart." 

I am a Christian, Sir, and Christ my Lord, 
Will bless with vast and infinite reward. 
The man, who to his suffering subject shows 
Compassion, and relief from heavy woes. 

In view of our relationship as men, 
Which should all sinful prejudice condemn; 
In view of prayers, and tears, and many sighs, 
Which daily to Jehovah's throne arise; 
In view of millions sinking down to hell. 
Whose suff'rings mortal lips can never tell; 
In view of Time, which soon will be no more, 
But waft us to a distant, unknown shore; 
In view of Death, which hastens on apace, 
To usher us before the Judge's face; 
In view of that great, final, reckoning day, 
When we shall hear him to his children say— 



388 MORE PARDONED. 

"Come near, ye blessed, and sit down with me. 

On thrones prepared from all eternity" — 

But to the wicked, "Plence, accursed, depart!— 

With Satan and his angels have your part;" 

In view of heaven, where angels prostrate fall, 

With saints confessing Jesus Lord of all, 

Where endless pleasures do forever roll, 

And full fruition fills up every soul; 

In view of vast eternity to come, 

Which fixes our unchanging, future doom; 

In view of all; I ask once more the same, 

And plead for mercy in my Savior's name; 

Commending you to his all gracious care. 

That you may hear and grant my earnest prayer. 

Sept. 29. The Methodist minister from St. I.ouis 
preached for us. The next day he went, in company 
with our chaphiin and others, to see the Governor in 
our behalf. Towards evening they called to see us — 
spoke very kindly — felt much — saw my address — said, 
'•You will get out after a while, be patient. The 
weather is setting that tre/?/.'" 

Oct. 1. Two more were pardoned out, and I was 
appointed to supply the place of one of them, in car- 
rying around bread at night, to one quarter of the 
prisoners. By this arrangement, we had better sup- 
pers. I continued so to do for nine months, till I left. 

15. A young man was pardoned, who went to 
the Governor to plead for us. The Governor said, '"I 
will attend to their case, and turn them out just as 
soon as 1 can consistently." Public opinion was his 
guide. During this month, James was sick much of 
the time, with bilious complaints. I began to gain 
strength to labor. 

A CASE OF CRUELTY. 

Two prisoners dug through the cell wall, unlocked 
another cell, and \of out two otiicrs,'int('fu]ing to scale 
tlie outside wall. They were discovered, and terribly* 



NOTHING AGAINST ME. 



punished immediatelj. Some who celled near by, 
said, they '• never heard such hot times in the guard 
room before." Others said they heard " much whip- 
ping and loud cries," and while they were whipping 
one, they heard Bradbury say, '■'Now get up." "1 
can't, Mr. B." He then whipped him again, " Now 
get up, or ril kill you." "Judge Brown, do stop Mr. 
B. 1 can't get up." '^ Then drag him to his cell." 
And as he was crawling to a cell near by, he was 
heard, "Do stop, Mr. Davis. I am going as fast as I can." 
He probably was kicking him along. In the morning, 
Capt, G. came to me and said, " Go there into the 
hall, pick up S., and carry him to his cell, he has the 
backache:'' Backache! 0,whathard-heartedness! But 
this is slavery! lie was lying on the bricks, in great 
pain, and almost as helpless as a man with his back 
broken. We carried him to his cell, where he re- 
mained a considerable time before he could get out. 

M'ov. 8. One who has lived south, said to James, 
'■' I have seen planters sit down, each bet a nigger^ and 
gamble for them!" Can the history of heathenism 
furnish its equal? And yet who can doubt it? Is it 
not "-'just like" slavery, thus to demonizc the master, 
while it brutalizes the slave! 

On the same day, J. F., a former overseer, was in, 
with whom I spoke. He said, "I have heard nothing 
against you — nothing against your conduct here. I 
know no reason why you should not go out as well as 
Work. If one, all— for all are equally guilty. I don't 
think they can require any more than that you shall 
not do so again. I should rather have seen you go 
out, than some who have been pardoned, who will be 
curses to society." 

21. James went to the quarry, with the hands, for 
his health. A rock burst from the effects of the 
fire. A guard said to James, ^'I am glad you came 
out here with us. You have the Bible, and therefore 
good Providence protected us from being hurt. 



390 RICH BLESSINGS. 

For a number of days he went outside, and was 
greatly benefitted. 

VISIT FROM FRIENDS. 

On the 22, W. M. and JNI. C. arrived at our man- 
sion. It was Saturday eve, and we talked with them, 
before a guard room full. 

^ On Sabbath afternoon, they came to our cell, where 
we conversed, and prayed, and sung, till night, with- 
out restraint. From them we learned much about the 
state of the anti-slavery cause, and of the world. It 
was unspeakably sweet, thus to fellowship together 
once more. Why were we so favored above other 
prisoners, when their friends come to see them? My 
only answer is, " It was the good hand of God upon 
us," constraining 'the enemy to entreat us well in the 
day of evil.' " 

On Monday they conversed with the Governor, 
who promised that he would turn us out, if they would 
send a petition from Marion county, from whence wo 
were sent. He said, "They have been punished 
enough, and if I should act according to my own feel- 
ings, I would turn them out; but I am the servant of 
the people.'' In the evening, they came to the cell, 
and brought dried fruit, cracker.*, dried beef, sugar, 
honey, a})plcs. Missionary Heralds, Union Missiona- 
ries, writing paper, &:c. 

That night, I spent mostly writing and preparing 
things to send home by them. In the morning, again 
talked and prayed with them, and gave them jtisi 
zvhat I pleased — no officer asking, '-What have you 
there?'' They saw the box and the bundle.^ but said 
nothing. Who can deny the n straining hand of God? 
This treatment is to be attributed, under God, to Judge 
Brown — as also all the kind treatment of all our 
friends when they came. '•'• Give God the glory." In 
itvary instance, where wc were fearful, the Lord in 



THE BEST WINE. 391 

great mercy rebuked our unbelief, not with the rod, 
as we deserved, but by far exceeding our expectations 
and granting us unexpected privileges. O! "-how 
great is his goodness!" As is his power, so is his 
mercy to his little ones. 

But the best wine was reserved till after they were 
gone. In reading the Missionary Heralds, but espe- 
cially the Union Missionaries, our souls feasted. My 
journal says, ^ Such emotions as fill my soul, I cannot 
express. We both have to shout glory ! glory ! glory 
to God! read and rejoice — read and shout — read and 
thank the Lord for such a new era in the history of 
missions — for such a noble coming out from the abom- 
inations of Slavery. O! how we have prayed here 
in prison, for a purging of the church in this thing. 
Glory to God for such intelligence." 

In the Heralds we visited nearly all parts of the 
world, rejoiced, and wept with the missionaries — 
heard the converts sing — saw the idols destroyed — 
jthe darkness flee, and the light spread abroad. Like 
John Baptist, though we were in the prison, we heard 
of the wonderful works of God. We quickly pass 
from Mendi to Guinea, Gaboon, Natal, Ceylon, Bom- 
bay, Madura, Siam, China, Palestine, Turkey, The Isl- 
ands, The Rocky Mountains, Red Lake, from tribe 
to tribe — from nation to nation — from continent to 
continent, and round the world we go — hasten back to 
our '' hallowed cell," and lift up our prayer for the Holy 
Spirit to be poured upon them, 
I 

slaveholders' CHRISTIANITY. 

Mv. 30. Our chaplain, before all the prisoners, 
called Capt. G., «Bro. Gorden!!" The most abased 
prisoner among us, saw the inconsistency of such an 
appellation, and many made their remarks upon it. 

But I suppose the chaplain did not know as much 
about his " Bro.^' as we did—for on that very Sabbath 



392 DUCKING. 

he had been at work all day, with a number of hands. 
However, perhaps this is as much as can be expected 
from a slaveholding religion. It does not require 
them to give up their sins — their greatest sins. They 
can hold slaves, break the Sabbath, oppress, be covet- 
ous, commit adultery, lie, steal, murder, and still be 
good members of the church! 1 know it to be so. 

ENOUGH TO EAT DUCKING. 

Dec. 3. Capt. G. whipped a man for cooking a little 
which was very common. At the table he forbid any 
man's cooking, and said, "If any one does not get 
enough to eat, come to me, and he shall have it.'' The 
next day, one went to him, and asked for more — he 
took him into the guard room, and ducked him for it — 
and that is the "-enough to eat," he got! 

The. ducking apparatus is a large arm chair, in 
which the sufferer is tied, hand and foot, so that he 
cannot move. Then there is a box which fits close 
round the neck below, and open at the top, into which 
they pour a basin or pail full of water, directly into 
the man's face. Not being able to avoid the water, he 
is strangled, choked, and almost killed. It is said to 
be very severe. It was an invention of McChesncy, 
our former overseer, who was a perfect inquisitor. 

THE NEW PREACHER. 

Jan. 7. A fellow prisoner, who served two years 
here, preached to us. He had been to the Pacific — 
was converted, turned preacher, came back, and soli- 
cited his fellows to make their peace with God. He 
was ignorant, but zealous, and his sermon produced 
more effect on ofliccrs and prisoners, than all the ser- 
mons we had heard for years. Hard hearts melted, 
and eyes wiiicli had not wept for twenty years, were 
then moistened. 



PRISONERS EASILY AFFECTED AT FIRST. 393 

Such a shake of the hand as he gave us, we had not 
received in Missouri. He knew not how to let us go; 
and as he left, he said, " We'll soon be released from 
earth — we'll soon meet in heaven." 

THE NEW PRISONER. 

Jan. 9. A new prisoner came, with whom I conversed. 
His feelings were tender, and he wept freely. He 
said, "•! hope it will be for my good. My old mother 
is a widow, and she has prayed for me, thousands and 
thousands of times, [weeping.] I will never do so 
again. I am resolved to serve the Lord the rest of 
my days." "Do you pray?" Yes I have prayed, day 
and night, (weeping,) ever since I was convicted, and 
am determined to continue. I wish to know my duty. 
I desire that all here may come to Jesus," &c. — I told 
him of his trials and gave him counsel. He did con- 
tinue to pray. 

Many when they first come are very tender, and 
open to the truth. Proper officers and treatment, 
would save them, but they are neglected, mingle with 
the desperate, become hardened, and prepared for all 
evil. 



CHAPTER X. 

PETITION— STATE SECRETARY— JAMES PARDONED. 

ANOTHER INTERESTING CASE. 

Dec. 12. I conversed with a man who said "I be- 
lieve my coming here is the best thing that ever hap- 
pened to me. I have been a very bad man, for twelve 
or fifteen years back — not hurting others, but myself 



394 JAMES FAINTED. 

— I have been my worst enemy. I am now determin- 
ed it shall be my whole clFort, desire and study to serve 
God. There is no other object wortiiy of man. It is 
what he was created, and placed here for. As for the 
riches and honors of the world, I care no more about 
them than about the dust on which I tread." He left 
in ten days after. 

Such cases were very reviving to our hearts, amid 
the dense darkness. 

Jan. 18. We took to our cell, the tinner's fur- 
nace, with coals. As I sat looking in my Atlas, 
James complained of his heart beating very hard, 
fainted and fell into my lap. With my foot I knocked 
on the door, and called a guard; he came with the 
steward, and brought medicine. After they left, he 
had another spasm, and fell back on the bed — soon 
vomited profusely — I had the headache all the night. 
Such being the effect of our fire, w^e concluded to go 
without, and endure the cold. 

Toward the last of Dec. I worked evenings, pack- 
ing pork. Thousands of hogs were here killed, the 
most of the feet of which we had to cat. 

Jan. 4, 1846. We observed as a day of fasting and 
prayer, for our own benefit, and the conversion of the 
world. In the forenoon, we " remembered' Jesus in 
his own ordinance, and sung hymns which 1 prepared 
for the occasion. The afternoon was devoted to sing- 
ing and praying for the church, the boards, the mission- 
aries, and the world — and we longed to be in the field. 

THE CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN. 

A man sent here for ninety-nine years, for murder, 
said to me, as I was questioning him, '••I learnt all my 

J)rayers when I was a little boy, and keep them yet. 
1 have not learned any new ones. 1 was born in the 
Catholic church, and 1 will die m it. I don't swear 
much — a little sometimes, and I pray every Sunday," 
«fec. Poor man ! 



SUSPENSE TALK WITH JUDGE B. 395 

There are many Catholics here, and generally they 
are very strict to pray — every day, or at least, on 
Sundays — but they will get angry, swear, break the 
Sabbath, &c. The priest came to see them, brought 
books, went through his ceremonies, and they could 
have the sacrament administered to them, while prot- 
estants plead in vain for a minister to come, and break 
unto them the sacred emblems! 

During the winter, when we could not keep warm 
by wrapping our blankets around us, we covered up 
in bed, so that we could read, I fixed our lamp, so 
that we could go to bed, and read evenings. 

20. We obtained permission to have a young man 
cell with us, that we might do him good. Said Judge 
B., ^ If you can make him any better, I have no 
objection." lie was with us one night — prayed, and 
talked well. But the next day, Capt. G. took him 
away, and put a small boy with us, who had just 
come, saying, '-' Take this boy, and teach him better 
morals." He remained with us about a week, when 
I hurt my back, and not having room in our bed, he lefK 

About this time, we lived in considerable suspense, 
having heard that Swartout had been here a month, 
with a large petition from Marion Co. We expected 
the Gov. would do as he promised, but he did not. 
Numbers spoke to us, saying, '•'You will go out in a 
few days." We endeavored to be prepared, and then 
left it all with the Lord. 

This was the time Chase came, and wished me to 
sign a renunciation of my principles, for my liberty! 
I talked with Judge B. "Can you do it?" . ''I can- 
not." " Well, do not make any such pledge, unless 
you feel it, and can live up to it. If you should re- 
nounce. Chase, probably, would turn right round, and 
call you a hypocrite^ &c. I am willing you should go 
out. As to your conduct and Burr's, it is known out- 
side, as well as it is in here. 1 think they can make 
no such requirement," &c. 



o96 EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO GOV. EDWARDS, 

Penitentiary^ Jan. 21, ISiG. 
••'Dbar Sir: 

Is an American citizen, in this daj of light 
and liberty, to be imprisoned, because he thinks diP 
fcrently from others? And has he not the lawful right 
to express those thoughts, without fear of incarcera- 
tion? Then is it in accordance with the spirit of our 
free government, to continue to hold a man in prison, 
till he shall renounce his peculiar sentiments? 

Suppose, sir, the Whig party should gain the as- 
cendency, and put you in prison, for advocating De- 
mocracy — and at the end of four and a half years, 
should gravely ask you if you would renounce those 
principles for your freedom 1 Would you not reject 
such a proposition with disdain, and rather choose 
your dungeon? Are such arguments calculated to 
change a man's sentiments? But have my private 
sentiments any thing to do with the matter of release- 
men t? 

If, in this free country, and under laws which 
secure to every man, the freedom of thought and 
speech, a man is to be imprisoned, or held in prison^ 
because he does not think as some others do, we may 
as well, at once, adopt the ancient. Papal mode — in- 
carcerate, torture, and burn all who dilFer from the 
party in ascendency! Jf I have broken the laws of a 
state, can more be rerjuired of me, as a condition of 
pardon, than that I should keep, and honor those 
laws, in future? Or, if I could not conscientiously 
comply with them, that I leave the state, and no more 
interfere with them? Such I will do. 

Can more be reijuired of me? Should not every 
man of reason and humanity be satisfied?" 

George Thompson. 

THE secretary OF STATE — COL. MARTIN. 

Jan. 26. The above named person came to see us. 
"I came to have a free, candid talk with you, and 1 



THE INQUISITIVE COL. MARTIN. 397 

want you to answer as in the presence of the Deity. 
I am very much prejudiced against abolitionists. I am 
a southerner — live in a slave state, and hold slaves. 
I came of my own accord to know your feelings. 
What is the object of the Abolition Society — general 
emancipation?" "-Yes sir — by moral suasion, light, 
and arguments. They disapprove of carnal means, 
except some '•'•hot-heads^'' who are for fighting — there 
is a great difference between them." '•'• What are 
your views?" ''•Slavery is wrong, and all lawful 
means should he used to put it away, as soon as pos- 
sible." '• If you were released, and, in a meeting, 
should be called upon for an expression of your feel- 
ings, what would you tell them?" '"-I would tell them 
honestly, and correct their prejudices.'''' 

Other conversation occurred, not important to be 
mentioned. He asked James nearly the same ques- 
tions, and others in addition. "• If you were free now, 
what could you do?" ''I would get into a free State 
as quick as possible, and stay there." " But that is 
not enough — we don't care so much about the locomo- 
tive^ as we do the injluencc. It is the principle that 
does the mischief" "What I did, was in kindness to 
the black man — he plead so hard." '■•I don't doubt 
there are a great man}'^ abolitionists who are actuated 
by the purest motives." " I will leave the Stale, and 
will persuade my friends not to do as I did."* 

What right had they thus to pry into our private 
sentiments, and lead us to break the laws of Missouri, 
which forbid the expression of such principles? The 
light was the mis;ht., in order to find some pretence for 
detaining us still longer! If then, our enemies were 
at any time deceived by ambiguous answers, (weal- 
ways spoke the truth) we say to them as Paul said on 
a certain occasion, ■■' Ye have compelled ?<s." We told 



"That is, not to go into a slave State for slaves. 



398 JAMES RELEASED. 

as little as they would let us tell, till our tongues should 
be loosed and unfettered. 

If they considered us thieves^ would they care noth- 
ing about the locomotive? So long as a thief keeps 
away from them they have nothing to fear. The rea- 
der can carry out the reflections, and make the appli- 
cation. 

JAMES PARDONED. 

Jan. 30. In the forenoon James was suddenly 
snatched from me, leaving me alone — and yet not 
alone, for Jesus was with me. He was ready — took 
out with him all his papers, but expecting to go my- 
self, I had made no arrangement for him to take mine, 
though I had but Utile, having sent them away from 
time to time. 

His pardon is similar to Alanson's, except that it is 
without conditions. 1 rejoiced to see him go. All the 
prisoners were glad to see "-^ old Burr," as tliey called 
him, go out to enjoy liberty again. 

DEPARTURE OF JAMES EXTRACT. 

1 First one, now the other has left — 
My partners in gladness and woe: 
Of all kindred spirits bereft. 

For comfort, to whom shall I go ? 
There's none here my burdens can share. 
To whom I can open my heart — 
They pity, and wonder, and stare. 
But none understandeth my smart. 

2 But glory to God and the Lamb! 
With freedom to Him 1 can go; 
My case He doth well understand. 
And each secret feeling doth know. 
To Him I'll unbosom my soul, 
For He will sweet comfort afford; 
And while the high waves o'er me roll, 
1 humbly will truat in the Lord. 



I 



POETRY — THE MIND. 399 

3 A pris'ner, they long may retain- — 
With locks, bolts and bars, keep secure 
This body — in torturing pain, 

While reason, or life shall endure. 
They cannot, no cannot they bind, 
What God has created so free — 
The spirit immortal — the mind — 
A slave, it disdaineth to be. 

4 From dungeons it sallies abroad, 
And visits earth's far distant shores, 
Surveys the creation of God, 

And earth, seas and planets, explores — 
From Arctic to Antartic flies, 
Where mortals did never yet tread — 
From West, to behold the sun rise. 
And view the life-giving beams spread. 

5 It enters the churches so fair. 
Where saints in devotion are bow'd. 
And joins in importunate prayer, 
Or harmonic praises aloud. 

It hastes to the lovely fireside. 

Where kindred and friends gather round; 

Or far where the heathen abide, 

And Heralds in labors abound. 

' 6 It soars to the heavenly throne, 

Where angels and saints join in praise; 
"Views pleasures to mortals unknown, 
And glory that never decays — 
Holds converse with Jesus the King, 
And infinite blessings receives — 
Returns to the dungeon to bring 
Sweet comfort to him that believes. 

7 Then bind me with chains, hand and foot— 
My body with burdens crush down — 
Or deep in foul dungeons be put. 
And all men with enmity frown — 
Yet let it to all men be told — 
To all who with sorrows are bow'd, 
In every condition, I hold. 
In spirit, communion with God. 
Penitentiary, January 31, 1846. 



400 PRISON WORK NOT DONE. 

The Lord showed me that an arm of flesh was 
short, and I sank into his arms, submissive to his will. 
I had some inexpressibly sweet seasons, alone in my 
cell, pouring out my whole heart before the I^ord, He 
quieted my soul in himself; J believed and was happy, 
I felt that he had wise reasons for detaining me, and 
very soon he showed me those reasons, and I blessed 
Him that I did not go out. 1 soon found that my work 
was not done in the penitentiary — but more of this 
shortly, 

I am not certain that the officers did not use their 
influence to keep me, for the day after James left, two 
valuable hands ran away. 

NEW CELL MATE. 

Feb. 1. A very wicked man was put in wlLh me — 
one who had run away many times, and caused them 
much trouble. 1 went to Capt. G., and requested an 
exchange, but he would not listen, saying. '•! put him 
there to keep him from giving me trouble." 

This was the first time I had been locked up with 
one who had no fear of God before him, and I soyght 
wisdom and grace from above. But I soon found him 
a very quiet man, willing that I should go on as usual 
with my devotions. He listened while I read, and 
kneeled in time of prayer. Being very anxious to 
learn to read, I gave him instruction. And as he was 
one who would keep a secret till he died, and de- 
spised a traitor, I went on, without fear, with my wri- 
tings and plans, as when James was with me. The 
change in his feelings was wonderful and rapid. He 
had been a tliief for seven years, and before he came 
to my cell, was studying and dreaming day and night, 
about getting away and being taken. But these feel- 
ings soon left him, and he could sleep soundly all 
night. He fiequently expressed himself as fully de- 
termined to live an honest life — became reconciled to 



DESIRE FOR LIBERTY. 401 

his lot — was very much engaged in his book — and 
said he despised noticing so much as thieves — to his 
mind they had become loathsome. He had many 
questions to ask about religion. I have hope for him. 

THE slave's request. 

Soon after James left, a slave, with whom I had 
long been acquainted, came to me, and was very ur- 
gent that I should write him a free paper. "I am 
about to leave this place, and want a favor." 1 told 
him I could not do such a thing. He entreated. Said 
I, ''Try without."' '•! shall be caught." I told him 
where he would find friends. And when I made his 
case known to a wicked fellow prisoner, he said, ''Do 
you have nothing to do with it. I'll attend to him." He 
wrote for the slave a "pass," and gave him all needful 
instruction. Whether he succeeded I ceinnot tell. 

HOGS OUT. 

Feb. 10. By order of the inspectors, the hogs were 
all turned out of the yard. For nearly four and a half 
years, we have lived in a hog-pen, disagreeable, filthy, 
and abominable. We made complaints to the inspec- 
tors, but till now our requests had been unheeded! 
From twenty to forty, and even lo two, four, and 
.five hundred of these filthy, condemned and abomin- 
able creatures have associated, fed, and slept, in the 
same pen and building, which one hundred and fifty 
prisoners occupied Well, it is just like slavery. 

TALK WITH MR. STRINGFELLOW, THE STATe's ATTORNEY. 

"lam very much prejudiced against abolitionists, 

and have no sympathy for you. If you had done it 

9ut of rascnlUy^ I ivou/d have felt for you, but you had 

no personal interest in view, and such meddUng I de- 

25 



402 SYMPATHY FOR RASCALS. 

spise. Or if it had been some poor, ignorant, foolish 
fellow, 1 could have sympathy; but you are a sensible 
man, and I have no sympathy for you. Work and 
Burr were represented by Swartout as weak men, hav- 
ing little mind, and led into it by you. I would not be- 
lieve you if you said you gave up your principles. You 
feel as you did before, and if free, would you not turn 
round and say that such laws (as make men property, 
and imprison men for helping slaves,) are not laws ? 
Do you not feel towards the niggers as always ?" '•'■I 
feel that they are men." "And have as good a right to be 
free as any body ?" '^Yes, by all lawful means. But 
I would leave the continent." "Yes, and go right 
among the niggers, which shows that your feelings to- 
wards them are not changed. I saw one of your let- 
ters." "But I would go to instruct them, as any other 
heathen." "They are good for nothing but slaves — 
they never could, and never can take care of them- 
selves. 1 cannot promise to do anything for you," &c. 

No comment is needed. In addition, 1 heard from 
him more oaths and profanity than I had heard in a 
long time from the most depraved convict. 

Again, (o prove the truth of his assertion, he used 
his influence, and plead one hour for the release of one 
who ''did it out of rascality" — who stole two slaves, 
sold them and pocketed the money. For him, he had 
sympathy. Reader, put this down as a fair specimen 
of Missouri justice. 

14. Judge B. said to me."I think you will have to stay 
till next Legislature. I don't think the Governor will 
take the responsibility, (!) without a heavy petition.* 1 
told him, as to my part, 1 was perfectly willing you 
should go, and can do no more. Take it patiently — 
the time will soon run round." A prisoner who came 
about this time, and knew something about public sen- 

• The petition which took James out, was for both of us, and was 
a "/i^oci/ petition," as Judge B., the inspectors and others testified. 



THE LAST CONVERT.,. ' 403 

timent, said, "All they arc keeping Thompson here 
for, is because he will not give up his sentiments." 

I have mentioned that one of Lovejoy's murderers 
is here — I have also had two other prisoners confess to 
me, that they were engaged in destroying Pennsylvania 
Hall — one of them was a ring-leader, — here for seven 
years. 

TWO MORE CONVERTS. 

After preaching, Feb. 22, two persons came forward 
and professed to give their hearts to God. Here, 
again, was work for me in which I rejoiced. Both talk- 
ed well, and expressed themselves as strongly deter- 
mined to serve the Lord. With one of them I frequently 
prayed. The evidence of a genuine change was 
cheering. They met with many sneers, but bore them 
patiently. I endeavored to instruct and strengthen 
them. 

CRUELTY. 

A man was whipped by Capt. G., first with a stick, 
then with the cow-hide, and then with the strap, be- 
cause he would not do what he could not — beam a 
chain in fifteen minutes. It cannot be done with such 
chains as wc generally get. I know something about 
it. "Will you do it ?" "I can't, if you should kill me.'' 
^'Well, I'll kill you if you don't," &c. A slavehold- 
ing Christian ! 

THE LAST CONVERT. 

After James left, I became acquainted with a young 
Scotchman, who seemed very steady, industrious, and 
quite intelligent. As I was always looking out for 
sir^gers^ he was recommended to me by some who sat 
near him in meeting, and heard him, as a good singer. 
I sought opportunities to converse with him — found 



404 THE LAST CONVERT. 

him open and frank, and desirous of Christian instruc- 
tion. Learning the state of his mind, I selected books 
suitable to his case, and lent to him — which he read 
with attention and earnestness. The Lord blessed the 
truth, and soon he was '•' sitting at the feet of Jesus, 
clothed and in his right mind." lie adopted the words 
of H. Page, "Resolved, that I will, the Lord being my 
helper, think, speak, and act, as an individual — for as 
such I must live — as such I must die, stand before God 
and be damned, or saved forever. I have been wait- 
ing for others. I must act, as if I was the only one to 
act, and wait no longer."' He said, ''Although 1 feel 
for you, being here, yet I am glad to have such a one 
to whom I can unbosom my feelings. 1 hate sin. I 
lonfT to cease from sin." "The profanity of my cell- 
mates, often breaks in like an intruder on my best 
thouf^hts," &c. I should be glad to give the corres- 
pondence that took place between us, on blank leaves, 
sand-paper, and boards, but my limits forbid. 

I asked the Lord to let him cell with me — he went 
to Capt. G., trembling lest he should be refused, but 
the Lord touched his heart. The Scotchman was not 
familiar with many of our tunes, and this he urged as 
one reason why he desired to cell with me — that he 
might learn my tunes, and be able to sing in meeting. 
Capt. G. consented, on one condition, namely, that I 
should furnish bed clothing! (which 1 gladly did.) But 
liow mean and unjust! By law, tlicy are bound to 
provide these things, and yet it is not enough that I 
furnish my own, — 1 must also furnish for others, and 
for those too, who are forced upon me! (my wicked 
cell mate.) But I was thankful that I was able by the 
hlcssin"" of God, to furnish a bed for myself and 
others too, in a penitentiary. 

As J. A. came into the cell, he said "'I feel as if 1 
had been set at liberty." 1 found him truly convert- 
ed — humble, tea(hal)le, prayerful, studious, conscien- 
tious, faithful, and desirous of knowing his whole duty. 



THE LAST CONVERT. 405 

Again I enjoyed the luxury of social reading, sing- 
ing and prayer. 

Our Sabbaths were delightful. His heart entered 
right into all my feelings, and circumstances, and prin- 
ciples, so that we were one. We took great comfort 
in singing. He was anxious to learn all the tunes he 
could, before I should be snatched away. 

Many of our evenings were spent, in composing po- 
etic dialogues — each composing his part. Much of 
our conversation was in poetry. His outward deport- 
ment, commended him to the consciences of officers 
and prisoners — being faithful in all that was appointed 
him. 

Our hearts became united, like those of David and 
Jonathan — and now, ho seems as near to me as an 
own brother. Having " begotten him in my bonds,'' 
my soul yearns over him. 

O! how often has my whole being blessed the 
Lord, that he did not let me go, with James! What 
would have become of these precious souls! Soon 
ter J. A. came to cell with me, he remarked '^ 1 
am bound to acknowledge the hand of God, in my 
affliction, and in coming into this cell. I remember 
the words you spoke to me, when I was sawing — to 
consider why God contended with me — I thought of 
it all night, reviewed my life, and saw my state. I 
liad entirely forgotten God, and it is for my good that 
I am here." He renounced all sin — liquor, tobacco, 
&c., and was a happy man. 

March 3. I urged the chaplain to stay, after preach- 
ing, converse and do good. Said he, ••' Yes, but there 
are so many gag-lazes, here I know not when I should 
run foul of them"" He lacked courage. 

March 16. Said a slave to a prisoner, in my hearing, 
"" I have a much harder master than you have, and I 
would not stay here five minutes, if I had any way 
to escape." How "contented and happy!" Poor 
fellow. 



406 



THE FUGITIVE MISSIONARY. 



March 18. A prisonerwho has been an overseer in the 
South, told me the following. A tyranical overseer 
took his place and undertook to whip Harry, an old 
slave preacher. Harry ran, and went to C., about 
two hundred miles, and told him his circumstances. 
He took two horses and carried Harry to a tribe of 
Indians. Some years after he went there and saw 
Harry who was preaching to the Indians. They 
thought every thing of their preacher, and would not 
part with him on any account. 

May such fugitives be greatly multiplied. Amen. 

March '21. Talked with the new inspector. He is 
very kind — said, " As for my part I wish you was out 
— You have been here long enough. I believe you 
are an honest, virtuous man, and have a large circle 
of virtuous friends. I wish you was out. I will speak 
for you to the Governor.'' &c. Such language was 
not common. 

March 24. The southern overseer told me that sell- 
ing unborn children was common in the South! Price 
from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars!!! 

March 29. A slave said to a prisoner, "• I would be 
mighty willing to serve seven years here, and work 
hard for my liberty, and so would the most of all that 
ever I knew." Another slave made the same remark 
to one of my cell mates. O! what a horrid insult to 
human nature, is it to say that the "slaves are content- 
ed and happy!" Lord, spare such blasphemers! 

April 12. At the table on Sabbath morning, Capt. 
G. gave out, "• I now give from eight to ten o'clock for 
all who wish to wash or clean their cells!" And O! 
what confusion and noise — l)ut some sweet was min- 
gled with the hitter. In tliis time I collected the 
lambs with some of the impenitent, and had a precious 
prayer meeting. The Lord blessed our souls. 

April 15. A slave came to me for directions to liber- 
ty — said "one word from you is better than gold." I 
value the ""blessing of those ready to perish," 



THE LORD DEFENDED ME. 407 

April 20. A petition was presented to Judge B. with 
eighty-five names that I might preach to them when no 
minister was here. Nothing was heard from it. 

About this time Capt. G., for somacause, very ear- 
nestly desired to glut his cruelty by punishing me — as 
he had never enjoyed that sweet privilege. He watch- 
ed my steps, as a wolf would watch for a lamb, but 
God encircled and shielded me from all his devices, 
cast back upon him all his false charges, and brought 
me through the battle unhurt. 

April 27. At the tabic, Capt. G. said, '■•I have re- 
quested — I have advised you not to talk, and now I 
say you shan^t talk, in your cell or out. Til punish 
for every olTence. There shall be no singing or 
whistling in the cells." We sung and prayed as usual 
— no man daring '•'to molest, or make us afraid." And as 
to talking, they may as well try to roll back the Niag- 
ara, as to stop talking, while the prisoners work, and 
cell together as they do. 

THE LAST COMMUNION SEASON. 

May 3. I broke the sacred emblems to my beloved 
'^son, in the Lord." It was sweet to feed the lamb— 
and cheering to sec him renew his strength, and burn 
with more ardent love. It was a precious season to 
him. We desired others to be present, but Capt. G. 
sneeringly refused. Said J. A., ^^ I now feel doubly 
united to you as a brother in Christ." 

After dinner, others came, and we had a meltmg 
season of prayer and praise. 

Miss DIX. 

15. The modern Howard, in feminine gender, 
made us a visit. She first went round with the ofh- 
cers, but she had been in prisons enough to know that 
the truth could not be obtained from them, and she 
talked with the prisoners, who opened the abomina- 
tions before her. I had a long, familiar, and very in- 



408 CAPT G.'s SABBATH BREAKING. 

teresting talk with her. She was bold, affable, and 
sympathizing. She asked a great many questions, to 
M'hich I gave answers. An officer came to me, and 
said, '•'•There is a lady here, who has been visiting all 
the prisons in the United States, and trying to allevi- 
ate the sufferings of prisoners. She wishes to talk 
with you." We talked as much as we desired. I ad- 
dressed a short poem to her, but saw her not, afterwards. 

18. The guard forgot to lock our cell, at night. I 
waited till bed time, and, as I had a wicked man 
with mc, for "■safekeeping," I went down, in the dark, 
and called a guard to perform his duty. 

About this time, Capt. G., on two Sabbath mornings 
made all the prisoners go into the new building, for 
one hour, where they ran, jumped, scuffled, and car- 
ried on as if it were a fourth of July — the guards 
joining with them, and Capt. G. looking on! A re- 
former! He will meei all these things at the solemn 
judgment. 

23. Talked with a sick convert. He said, ^"-I feel 
just as I wish to feel.'' '•'How?'' '■^Perfectly resigned 
to the will of my Maker. Heretofore, death was a 
terror to me. I prayed that God would give me to view it 
in its true light; and as I was reading '-Saints' Rest," 
(eightieth page,) and thinking on death, I found peacc^ 
and now I am willing to die here, or where my Maker 
sees best. I felt as if I wanted to toll you. Tell J.," &.c. 

24. We were much annoyed, by the ringing shouts 
of warriors, and their friends, cheering them to the 
work of murder! Strange Sabbath work!! 

20. Saw an account of Torrey's death — composed 
some verses on the subject. I insert two verses. 

Our brother died — but 'twas the victor's death, 

Who iti his fall, his greatest conquest won; 

And more accomplished with liis d)'in<r breath, 

Than he in all his life before had done. 
The shock was felt throughout the oppressors' camp- 
It cooled their zeal, and did their courage damp. 



r 



THE AGED FATHEr's VISIT. 409 

Rage on, ye haughty tyrants of our land- 
Crush down the poor and needy, in the dust — 

But know, the day of vengeance is at hand. 

When you shall feel th' Almighty's withering thrust, 

In untold depths of wo to sink you down, 

While bright shall shine the objects of your frown. 



CHAPTER XII. 

RELEASE— PARTING REFLECTIONS, &c. 
THE AGED FATHER's VISIT TO HIS SON, IN PRISON. 

May 28, My old father came to see me, and labor 
for my release. When I was first brought into his 
presence, the father overcame him, and he wept, una- 
ble to speak. I said, '^Weep not, father, 'it is the 
Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.' " His 
mind became composed, and we conversed together, 
some time. The next day, we again conversed, alone, 
and in the presence of Judge B. Speaking of giving 
up my principles, the judge said, " It is like requiring 
a man not to eat," &c. He talked well. At that 
time, I learned that it was my letter to the Governor, 
and my talk with the Secretary, that kept me here. 
For such a cause, I glory to stay. A number, speak- 
ing to liither of the letter said, ''If those are his sen- 
timents still, I will oppose him — but if he renounces 
them, I will hc/p him."' I did 7iot renounce a particle. 
For nearly a week, I talked with my Father every 
day — each saying what we desired. He was allowed, 
during his whole stay, of four weeks, to come and 
talk alone with me, just when he chose. On the 
Sabbath, he was with me, in my cell — where we 
once more united our voices in prayer and praise. O! 
delightful moments! 



410 



THE PETITIONS. 



I learned that great numbers of petitions, from 
free states, had been sent here for us, couched in de- 
nunciatory language, calculated to exasperate the 
minds of slaveholders — and in addition, that the Gov- 
ernor had been obliged to pay postage on them, to 
the amount of ihne hinidrcd dollars! Now, while I 
am confident that the Lord will overrule the whole 
for the advancement of His cause, I must say, that in 
this thing — burdening the Governor with the postage 
on business communications — my abolition friends act- 
ed very unwisely, and contrary to all acknowledged 
rules of propriety. And, while there can be no doubt 
that such petitions delayed my liberation, I bless the 
Lord, that they were sent. If we were thieves^ the 
Missourians must have seen, we had a large company 
of warm allies — and that \y\\?Li they considered a crinie^ 
was, by a large part of the nation, looked upon as a 
virtuous act. 

June 7. Learned that people outside are afraid of 
my pen, if I should be liberated; and that it is possi- 
ble I may be required to give a pledge not to use it 
against them. No such pledge was required — and 
sooner than give it, I would lay down my life. 

The chaplain said to father, " 1 don't know how I 
could get along without George,-' But I left one to 
fill my place — a worthy Christian. 

June 10. Said a prisoner to Judge B., "Judge, I 
wish you would permit George to preach once before 
I go away." '•'' Before you go away?" "Yes." "I 
would if I thought it would do any good." '•"I think 
it would." " Well, Til let him." lie said, and did 
not. 

Said father, " They look upon you as a Christian — 
though in error." And for this "• error," they have 
long kept a "Christian" in prison! 

June 11. Father came in with the chaplain and Tho. 
Miller — Judge B. present. "George," said father, "tell 
these men how you feel respecting the act that brought 



QUESTIONED PRIVATE SENTIMENTS. 411 

you here." "I would not do the same thing again; 
and I would try and detef others from doing as I did. 
The step was rash and imprudent." 

Chaplain — " You unqualifiedly regret it, and will 
never do so again?" ''I will never do so again." 

Miller — '•'- You will deter others from it?" '-Rest as- 
sured of that if I have any influence." * 

Judge B. — '• George has told me the same more than 
two years ago — -and in writing more than a year ago, 
hut still felt that slavery was wrong." Miller — "I am 
glad you said that, Judge — thousands believe it is an 
evil, but we can't get clear of it. (!) We've nothing 
to do with your private sentiments — let every man 
think as he pleases." And again, "■ No man blames 
you for your private sentiments!" t 

Chaplain — •' We ought to obey the law — though 
wrongs till better can be got." | I said, " I came 
here with prejudices against slaveholders, which have 
in a good degree subsided." Miller — "-Yes, and if 
you could have walked round among, and seen more 
of them, your prejudice would have been less." Yes 



• Let it be rem-.mbered, that when I said I would not do so again— 
that I would deter others, &c., I did not confess to them that I did 
morally icrong. This 1 never acknowledged, though they tried hard to 
have me do so. The only reason, then, why I would not do so again, 
and why I would deter others from going to a slave State, as we did, 
is the same that would keep me from running into a Lion's mouth, 
with my eyes open — the same that would keep you from thrusting 
yourself into the midst of a puck of icolces to rescue a poor lamb — the 
same that kept Christ from casting Himself down from the pinnacle of 
the temple. He who acts presumptuotisly, need not expect the pro- 
tection of heaven. Before my capture, I knew nothing of the dan- 
ger — now I know it, and knowing it, it would be wrong to do the 
same again. Am I right? 

t It is false. It has been shown over and over again, that nothing 
but my ''private sentiments," kept me there nearly five years. Long, 
long ago, we might have been free if we had renounced those senti- 
ments, And this was the first word of the kind I had heard from any 
one in Missouri. 

t This only shows the distorting influence of slavery, even on the 
minds of ministers. 



412 SLAVEHOLDERS DECEIVED. 

indeed it would. The more I become acquainted with 
the abominations of slaveholders, the less prejudice 
I feel towards them. How is this? What is preju- 
dice? Judging before you knoiv. Before I lived among 
them, 1 knew but little, though I condemned them — 
but since I knoiv, have seen and felt their inhumanity, 
it is not prejudice — it is /us^ judgment." I now, ""speak 
that I do knoiv^ and testify that I have seen.'''' Wheth- 
er my hatred of slavery now arises from prejudice, 
the reader may judge. 

'•'• But they were deceived." Well, what if they 
were? Every word I spoke was literal truth. And if 
they wish to look at what I said, through their slavery 
goggles, without asking any explanations, who shall 
hinder them? I expected they would so view it. The 
manner of expression was formed on purpose for them to 
take one meaning, while I held another. Jeremiah did 
so — Christ did sq — and thousands have done so. Who 
dare condemn it? My enemies have none but them- 
selves to blame, if they were deceived — and it is high 
time they were undeceived. With regard to doing 
again as zee did, I used no ambiguous terms, I told 
them plainly I would not do so again. The rchy they 
asked not for,nor did I see proper voluntarily to tell them. 

I promised to deter others from so doing. I have 
done so in public and in private — and I now again 
warn every reader against doing as we did. They 
now have laws against it — not that it is wrong to break 
those laws — they are not worth a straw — they arc nol 
laws., nor is there the least obligation to observe them — 
but— keep on free soil. 

June 13. The inspectors came, and introduced to 
me the Lieutenant Governor, who was acting in Gov, 
Edwards' absence. He asked some questions similar 
to those already given — was kind, and threw his influ- 
ence in my favor. 

Jwie 11. For the hist time, I collected the lambs, 
and had another prayer-meeting. It was a blessed, 



MY RELEASE. 413 

reviving season. '' Beloved, sweet, •'hallowed cell!" 
Just before I left, numbers of the influential men 
of Jefferson, said, ''It is inconsistent and absurd to 
require him, or any man, to give up private sentiments 
in such a case — it is something we have nothing to do 
>with." When they found they could not keep me any 
longer, 1 suppose they desired to smooth the matter 
over as well as possible. But it came too late. The 
contrary fact is too notorious, and cannot be denied. 

June 18. I was takon with ague again, and con- 
tinued sick till I left on the twenty-fourth. 

The Governor returned, after a long absence — 
found most of the people in favor of turning me out — 
find he sent my '•'• diploma,^'' which is similar to Alan- 
son's, except that there are no conditions expressed. 
My father was treated very kindly by all. The Sec- 
retary, Martin, and States' Attorney, Stringfellow, 
refused to favor, though they promised not to oppose. 
The father's gray hairs excited sympathy, and his 
pr.:sence touched hearts, that other means had failed 
to move. 

Our library, bedding, under clothes, &:c., I left for 
the good of my ftdlow sufferers, who were rejoiced to 
see me restored again to liberty. 

After 1 had faithfully labored so long, I was turned 

away witii some old clolliing, which scarcely covered 

my nakedness till 1 got home. I believe this was the 

case with Alanson and James. And it has been so 

vWith many. 

That evening the Governor came to see me, and 
clasped me as would a father his long lost son. He talked 
very kindly. Said he, "• I have no doubt that all the 
States will by and by see it to be lor their interest to 
do away slavery — ibr a free man will work faster, 
strike truer, bring it down harder, and work with more 
spirit and zeal, than a slave who gels nothing for his 
toil^. One man in the East, will do as much as ten of 
our men (slaves) here," i&c. He spoke very beautifully. 



414 HEAVY CHARGE AGAINST MISSOURI. 

Again, speaking of their contentcdness and good 
treatment, he added, with emphasis, '•' But they are 
not free^ and every man who has a soul, ought to be 
free;' S,-c.. 

The next day, we took boat and bade farewell to 
the prison, and the land of cruelty and oppression. 

TIME OF IMPRISONMENT. 





Yrs. 


Mos, 


Days 


Alanson was a prisoner, 


3 


G 


7 


James, " 


4 


6 


17 


George, " '' 


4 


11 


12 



Total, 13 5 

All this amount of time, labor and suffering, stands 
entered in high heaven's ledger against Missouri. — 
For it she must account, and it she must repay — she 
cannot cast off the load. 

What we have given, suffered and done, we regret 
not. We gave it to the slave and to God, and He 
will make a wise and proper use of it. Yet Missouri 
must maetit all, at the solemn reckoning day. 

FAREWELL REFLECTIONS, ON THE BOAT WAPOOLA. 

The time I have spent in Jefferson seems like a 
dream of yesterday. How (]ui(:kly the years have fled 
away ! The good Lord forgive my misimpi-ovement 
of them — that I have been so dull to learn his lessons 
and have reaped so httle profit from the kind dispen- 
sations of his hand, which has meted out to us the 
whole in love. 

Farewell ! rugged hills, over which I have so often 
carried my heavy chain ; up and down which I have 
dragged my weary limbs along, and whose blooming 



FAREWELL REFLECTIONS. 415 

herbage and refreshing groves have so long mocked 
my seclusion ; farewell. 

Farewell ! ye huge walls, iron grates doors, locks, bars, 
dungeons, cells. Long did ye trifle with my misery, 
and deride my wishful looks, and ardent desires, for 
sweet liberty. Long, long ye held me fast, and would 
not let me go, but now your power is broken ; your 
prisoner is free. 

Farewell ! excessive toils which crushed me to the 
earth. Farewell ! oppressors, cruel masters, tyrants ; 
farewell. 

Ye fellow prisoners, farewell. With you I have 
long toiled, suffered, groaned, bled. Many of you I 
have warned, invited, counselled. Some of you I have 
comforted, encouraged, cheered, strengthened, and led 
to Jesus. Together we prayed, together sung. The 
Lord has called us to part, perhaps to meet no more 
in time ; farewell. But, though I say farewell, I can- 
not forget you. O no, I shall think, talk, and pray 
for you. 1 love 3'ou. I know the heart of a prisoner. 
But be patient ; farewell. 

Farewell ! ye who looked and pitied, but could not 
help ; who thought and wept, but could not relieve ; 
who loved and sympathised, but could not rescue ; 
who talked and prayed and urged ; who gave a will- 
ing shoulder with my aged father, and to your great 
joy saw me come forth a free man ; who tendered mc 
the hearty shake, the open doors and the liberal sup- 
ply of my wants. The Lord reward you according 
to your ^'willing mind," for all you have done, or would 
have done for a "-little one." 

"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof 
we are glad." " It is the Lord's doing, and it is mar- 
velous in our eyes," — to Him be glory. "O magnify 
the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together," 
•^The young lions may lack, and suffer hunger, but 
they who seek the Lord, shall want no good thing." 
** There shall no evil happen to the just." 



416 CONCLUSION. 

O! blessed promise! to the righteous given, 
While lip and down this cruel world, they're driveo, 
It cheers their hearts, supports them in distress. 
And as for me, let others curse or bless, 
Believe thissoul-reviving word, I must, 
•' There shall no evil happen to the Just." 

CONCLUSION. 

Reader, I have written a book and told you many 
things — but yet, '■'• the half has not beeti told you." 
You will learn the rest at the judgment, when all things 
shall be revealed. 

Now are you in prosperity? Will you be thankful, 
and improve your privileges and opportunities, before 
they are taken from you, and you learn the worthy 
by the want of them? 

" Work while it is day," and "• walk while you have 
the light." 

Are you in affliction? From what you have read, 
be encouraged to put your whole trust in God, and 
earth and hell united, cannot harm you. 

Had I a voice so strong and loud, 
To reach from east to west, 
I'd say to all with sorrows bow'd, 
" The will of Christ is best." 

Whatever your affliction, submit to God, and He won't 
hurt you. Friends may forsake — foes gather round, 
the elements combine against you, and all nature 
threaten your destruction — "Have faith in God," and 
you shall stand unmoved. '•'• Be not afraid, only be- 
lieve." Are you in a state of impenitcncy? '" I* re- 
pare to meet your God." Are you a slaveholder? 
*'• Break every yoke, and let the oppressed go free." 
Are you an apologist for slavery? "When thou saw- 
est a thief, then thou conscntodst with him, and hast 
,been partaker with adulterers." 



CONCLUSION. 417 

Are you one who refuses to take an active part 
against oppression in all its forms? " Open thy mouth 
for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed 
to destruction. Open thy mouthy and plead the cause 
of the poor and needy," or God will hold you as an 
enemy. Are you a Christian? '' Thou shalt in any 
wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him." 
*' Be not partakers of other men's sins." "-Keep thy- 
self pure." See that the blood of the souls of "the poor 
innocents" is not on your garments. ''Love fhy 
neighbor as thyself." '* As ye would that men should 
do to you, do ye even so to them." And remember, 
that " whosoever stoppeth his ears at the cry of the 
poor^ shall also cry himself, and shall not be heard," 
Arc you a minister of the covenant? "Lift up thy 
voice like a trumpet — cry aloud, and spare not — show 
my people their sins." '-If thou refuse to warn the 
wicked of his way, he shall die, but his blood will I 
require at thy hand." 

Wo to him who holds his peace, in such a day as 
this! Wo to him who pleads for wickedness, in this 
day of light! Wo to him who calls good, evil — and 
evil good, in the nineteenth century ! Wo to him who 
opposes the onward march of liberty and righteous- 
ness! Wo to him who will not '•'• cease to do evil, and 
learn to do well." Wo, wo, to him who will not "re- 
member them in bonds as bound with them! " 

Finally, whosoever has an ear, let it be open to the 
truth — an eye, let it search for the truth — a heart, let 
it receive and obey the truth. Whosoever has a pen, 
let him use it — and a tongue let him employ it in op- 
posing Slavery — the 'Mother of Abominations' in our 
land. 



A NEW WORK OF 600 PAGES. 



FINNEY'S SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, 

EMBRACING 

inORAI' GOVEITNMENT, 

TOGETHER WITH MORAL AND PHYSICAL DEPRAVITY, RKGENERATIOfT, 
PHILOSOPHICAL THEORIES, AND EVIDENCES OF REGENERATION. 

BY REV. CHARLES G. FINNEY, 

PROrESSOR OF THEOLOGY IN OBERLIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 

PUBLISHED BY J. M. FITCH, OBERLIN, OHIO. 

We will not speak of this work in this place farther than to say that 
we deem it a work of great importance to the church and the ministry. 

It is a work of merit, which, we believe is destined to exert a great 
nfluence in the world — to retain a high place in the estimation of the 
church, to the latest period of her history. 

The greater part of the first edition of two thousand copies have ai- 
leady been sold. 
(It is sent In/ mail, in stiff printed covers, for $1,50. Postage 33 cts.) 

It is hoped that a second volume of Prol. Finney's Theology will be 
ready for eale this summer. 



Is published every alternate icech, by J. M. Fitch, Oberlin, OIno. 
There are 26 numbers a year, of eight large quarto pages each, with 
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i, 5, 6, and 7, can be had through the mail {or seventy-five cents either 
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THE SOCIAL AND SABBATH SCHOOL HYMN BOOK, 

BIT GEORGE N. AL,L,EN, A. B,, 

PROFESSOR OF MOSIC 15 OBERLIN COLLEGIATE INSTlTtJTE. 

PUBLISHED BY JAMES M. FITCH, OBERLIN, OHIO, 

This is a neat book of 180 pages, and is exceedingly valuaMe as a 
Hymn book for Social Meetings and Family Worship, as well as tor 
Sabbath schools. It is sent by mail, put up in stiff covers, for $1,50 
per dozen. Postage, 4J cents each. 



US 

Just published at this Office. 

A TREATISE 

On Man's Physical Being and Disorders, em- 
bracing an ciitline of a 

Theory of Hnmoii Life-aiid a Theoiy of Disease, 

ITS NATURE, CAUSE, AND REMEDY; 
BY ISAAC JENBylNGSj M. D. 

This is a well executed work of 375 pages 7 2 mo. It is 
written in an elegant and very pleasing si) le, and while exceed- 
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lieved that few will be found to deny the rare beauty and self- 
consistency of it. We can assure all persons who desire to see 
this Treatise, that they may anticipate a work candidly and 
beautifully written by a man of eminent medical attainments. 
]t contains a fund of important matter, vital to every faruily. 
Price, $1. A part of the Edition has been put up in covera I 
suitable for mailing, and will be sent to auy address within the 
SVdtea, free of postage, (or i^l. Orders maybe addressed, jjoat 
paid, to J. M. Fitch, Oberlin, 0. 



THE 

OBERLIN QUARTERLY REVIEW, 

Edited by Prcs. A. M:'Lan, and Prof. C. G. riimcy, 

PUBLISHED BY J. M. FITCH, OBERLIN, OHIO, 

la issued on the 1st days of August, November, February and May. 
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